A12-9720P vs Core i5-680

CPU

GPU

A12-9720P

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2016

Similar parts

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Core i5-680

2 Cores4 Thrd73 WWMax: 3.86 GHz2010

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A12-9720P vs Core i5-680 Performance Spectrum

A12-9720P

4 / 4

2,622

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-680

2 / 4

2,620

0.0%

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 i5-680 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 i5-680: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $94 less on MSRP ($200 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 47.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.1 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 73W, a 71W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-680

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,620 vs 2,622).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
❌3550% higher power demand at 73W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is A12-9720P better than Core i5-680?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-680 is ahead with a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A12-9720P pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A12-9720P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 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 $94 cheaper on MSRP at $200 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-680 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 47.1% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), 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 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A12-9720P vs Core i5-680 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 i5-680

The Core i5-680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,620 points. Launch price was $272.

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Processing Power

The A12-9720P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-680 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A12-9720P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the A12-9720P versus 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 — a 7% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A12-9720P uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-680 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A12-9720P scores 2,622 against the Core i5-680's 2,620 — a 0.1% lead for the A12-9720P.

Feature	A12-9720P	Core i5-680
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.86 GHz+7%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,622	2,620
Geekbench 6 Single	529	—

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Memory & Platform

The A12-9720P uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-680 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the A12-9720P versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-680 — the A12-9720P 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 (A12-9720P) vs 16 (Core i5-680) — the Core i5-680 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A12-9720P	Core i5-680
Socket	FP4	LGA1156
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 (A12-9720P) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R7 (A12-9720P) and HD Graphics (Core i5-680) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9720P targets Laptop, Core i5-680 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A12-9720P rivals Core i5-7200U.

Feature	A12-9720P	Core i5-680
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon R7	HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Laptop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the A12-9720P was priced at $200, while the Core i5-680 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($200 vs $294), A12-9720P was $94 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A12-9720P delivers 13.1 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-680 — making the A12-9720P the 38.1% better value option.

Feature	A12-9720P	Core i5-680
MSRP	$200-32%	$294
Performance per Dollar	13.1+47%	8.9
Release Date	2016	2010

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