A12-9700P vs Core i7-2620M

A12-9700P vs Core i7-2620M Performance Spectrum

A12-9700P

4 / 4

2,415

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-2620M

2 / 4

2,424

+0.4%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A12-9700P vs Core i7-2620M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A12-9700P vs Core i7-2620M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A12-9700P

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (481 vs 509).
❌Lower PassMark (2,415 vs 2,424).

Core i7-2620M

2011

Why buy it

✅+5.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while A12-9700P mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2620M better than A12-9700P?

Yes. Core i7-2620M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2620M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% more average FPS across 46 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2620M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-2620M is the better buy right now. Core i7-2620M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A12-9700P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A12-9700P vs Core i7-2620M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A12-9700P

The A12-9700P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,415 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i7-2620M

The Core i7-2620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,424 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

The A12-9700P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2620M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A12-9700P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the A12-9700P versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2620M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The A12-9700P uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-2620M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A12-9700P scores 2,415 against the Core i7-2620M's 2,424 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-2620M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 481 vs 509, a 5.7% lead for the Core i7-2620M that directly translates to higher frame rates.

Feature	A12-9700P	Core i7-2620M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.7 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	—	4 MB
L2 Cache	2048 kB+300%	512 kB
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,415	2,424
Geekbench 6 Single	481	509+6%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,222

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Memory & Platform

The A12-9700P uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the A12-9700P versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2620M — the A12-9700P supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A12-9700P) vs 16 (Core i7-2620M) — the Core i7-2620M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A12-9700P	Core i7-2620M
Socket	FP4	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A12-9700P) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2620M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R7 (A12-9700P) and HD 3000 (Core i7-2620M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9700P targets Laptop, Core i7-2620M targets Budget. Direct competitor: A12-9700P rivals Core i5-6200U; Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M.