A12-9720P vs Ryzen 7 3700X

CPU

GPU

A12-9720P

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2016

Similar parts

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Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019

Ryzen family

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A12-9720P vs Ryzen 7 3700X Performance Spectrum

A12-9720P

4 / 4

2,622

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 / 16

22,430

+755.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen 9 9900X3D

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

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 Ryzen 7 3700X 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 Ryzen 7 3700X: 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 $129 less on MSRP ($200 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).
✅Draws 2W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R7, while Ryzen 7 3700X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,622 vs 22,430).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.1 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +310.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Delivers 420.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 13.1 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅200% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
64.5% HIGHER MSRP
$329 MSRPvs$200 MSRP
❌3150% higher power demand at 65W vs 2W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A12-9720P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than A12-9720P?

Yes. Ryzen 7 3700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 310.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 755.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 310.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 755.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in 64.5% more expensive on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 310.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 420.0% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 13.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2016) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A12-9720P vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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.

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

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Processing Power

The A12-9720P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the A12-9720P versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 20% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A12-9720P uses the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the A12-9720P scores 2,622 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 158.1% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X.

Feature	A12-9720P	Ryzen 7 3700X
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4.4 GHz+22%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	—	32 MB
L2 Cache	2 MB	512K (per core)+25500%
Process	28 nm	7 nm, 12 nm-75%
Architecture	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)	Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
PassMark	2,622	22,430+755%
Geekbench 6 Single	529	—

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Memory & Platform

The A12-9720P uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the A12-9720P versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 3700X — the Ryzen 7 3700X supports 71.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 3700X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (A12-9720P) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 3700X) — the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A12-9720P	Ryzen 7 3700X
Socket	FP4	AM4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866	DDR4-3200+71%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	8	24+200%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A12-9720P) / not specified (Ryzen 7 3700X). The A12-9720P includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Ryzen 7 3700X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A12-9720P targets Laptop. Direct competitor: A12-9720P rivals Core i5-7200U.

Feature	A12-9720P	Ryzen 7 3700X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon R7	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	AMD-V	—
Target Use	Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A12-9720P was priced at $200, while the Ryzen 7 3700X came in at $329. On launch pricing ($200 vs $329), A12-9720P was $129 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A12-9720P delivers 13.1 pts/$ vs 68.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 135.5% better value option.

Feature	A12-9720P	Ryzen 7 3700X
MSRP	$200-39%	$329
Performance per Dollar	13.1	68.2+421%
Release Date	2016	2019

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