A12-9720P vs Core i5-3320M

CPU

GPU

A12-9720P

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2016

Similar parts

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Core i5-3320M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2012

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A12-9720P vs Core i5-3320M Performance Spectrum

A12-9720P

4 / 4

2,622

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-3320M

2 / 4

2,660

+1.4%

Core Duo T2400

Pentium Dual Core T2390

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.

A12-9720P vs Core i5-3320M 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.

A12-9720P vs Core i5-3320M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A12-9720P

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $25 less on MSRP ($200 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 10.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.1 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,622 vs 2,660).

Core i5-3320M

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is A12-9720P better than Core i5-3320M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A12-9720P is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 33 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3320M pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3320M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

A12-9720P is the better buy right now. A12-9720P comes in $25 cheaper on MSRP at $200 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 33 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3320M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.4% better PassMark. It is also 10.9% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A12-9720P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A12-9720P vs Core i5-3320M Technical Specifications

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

A12-9720P

The A12-9720P 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,622 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i5-3320M

The Core i5-3320M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,660 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The A12-9720P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3320M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A12-9720P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the A12-9720P versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M — a 8.7% clock advantage for the A12-9720P (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The A12-9720P uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-3320M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A12-9720P scores 2,622 against the Core i5-3320M's 2,660 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-3320M.

Feature	A12-9720P	Core i5-3320M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+9%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+4%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	28 nm	22 nm-21%
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,622	2,660+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	529	—

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Memory & Platform

The A12-9720P uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3320M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the A12-9720P versus 1600 on the Core i5-3320M — the A12-9720P supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3320M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A12-9720P) vs 16 (Core i5-3320M) — the Core i5-3320M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A12-9720P	Core i5-3320M
Socket	FP4	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866+17%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
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 (A12-9720P) vs true (Core i5-3320M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R7 (A12-9720P) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3320M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9720P targets Laptop. Direct competitor: A12-9720P rivals Core i5-7200U; Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	A12-9720P	Core i5-3320M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon R7	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	true
Target Use	Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A12-9720P was priced at $200, while the Core i5-3320M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($200 vs $225), A12-9720P was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A12-9720P delivers 13.1 pts/$ vs 11.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-3320M — making the A12-9720P the 10.3% better value option.

Feature	A12-9720P	Core i5-3320M
MSRP	$200-11%	$225
Performance per Dollar	13.1+11%	11.8
Release Date	2016	2012

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