A4-9120C vs Core i5-450M

A4-9120C vs Core i5-450M Performance Spectrum

A4-9120C

2 / 2

1,258

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-450M

2 / 4

1,264

+0.5%

Celeron N3000

Pentium T3400

Pentium Dual-Core E2200

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.

A4-9120C vs Core i5-450M 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.

A4-9120C vs Core i5-450M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A4-9120C

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,258 vs 1,264).

Core i5-450M

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $32 MSRP, while A4-9120C mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-450M better than A4-9120C?

Yes. Core i5-450M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-450M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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, Core i5-450M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-450M is the better buy right now. Core i5-450M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $32 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (39.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A4-9120C makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A4-9120C vs Core i5-450M Technical Specifications

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

A4-9120C

The A4-9120C is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: BGA. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,258 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i5-450M

The Core i5-450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,264 points. Launch price was $32.

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Processing Power

The A4-9120C packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-450M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the A4-9120C versus 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M — a 49.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M. The A4-9120C uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-450M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-9120C scores 1,258 against the Core i5-450M's 1,264 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-450M.

Feature	A4-9120C	Core i5-450M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	2.66 GHz+66%
Base Clock	—	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,258	1,264
Geekbench 6 Single	418	—

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Memory & Platform

The A4-9120C uses the BGA socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-450M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the A4-9120C versus 1066 on the Core i5-450M — the A4-9120C supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 1 (A4-9120C) vs 2 (Core i5-450M). PCIe lanes: 8 (A4-9120C) vs 16 (Core i5-450M) — the Core i5-450M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A4-9120C	Core i5-450M
Socket	BGA	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866+75%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-9120C) vs true (Core i5-450M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R4 (A4-9120C) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-450M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-9120C targets Chromebook. Direct competitor: A4-9120C rivals Celeron N3350; Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620.