A9-9420 vs Core i3-2340UE

CPU

GPU

A9-9420

2 Cores2 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2016

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Core i3-2340UE

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2011

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A9-9420 vs Core i3-2340UE Performance Spectrum

A9-9420

2 / 2

1,538

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-2340UE

2 / 4

1,545

+0.5%

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.

A9-9420 vs Core i3-2340UE 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.

A9-9420 vs Core i3-2340UE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A9-9420

2016

Why buy it

✅+116.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $50 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Delivers 32.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.3 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $200 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 17W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,538 vs 1,545).

Core i3-2340UE

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (230 vs 497).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 10.3 PassMark/$ ($200 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is A9-9420 better than Core i3-2340UE?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A9-9420 is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2340UE pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2340UE 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?

A9-9420 is the better buy right now. A9-9420 comes in $50 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $200 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-2340UE is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 32.7% better value on MSRP (10.3 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A9-9420 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.

A9-9420 vs Core i3-2340UE Technical Specifications

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

A9-9420

The A9-9420 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,538 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-2340UE

The Core i3-2340UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,545 points. Launch price was $250.

⚡

Processing Power

The A9-9420 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2340UE's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the A9-9420 versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2340UE — a 93.9% clock advantage for the A9-9420. The A9-9420 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-2340UE uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A9-9420 scores 1,538 against the Core i3-2340UE's 1,545 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-2340UE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 497 vs 230, a 73.5% lead for the A9-9420 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A9-9420 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2340UE.

Feature	A9-9420	Core i3-2340UE
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+177%	1.3 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (total)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,538	1,545
Geekbench 6 Single	497+116%	230
Geekbench 6 Multi	950	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A9-9420 uses the FT4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2340UE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the A9-9420 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2340UE — the A9-9420 supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2340UE supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A9-9420) vs 2 (Core i3-2340UE). PCIe lanes: 8 (A9-9420) vs 16 (Core i3-2340UE) — the Core i3-2340UE offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (A9-9420) and HM65,QM67 (Core i3-2340UE).

Feature	A9-9420	Core i3-2340UE
Socket	FT4	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A9-9420) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2340UE). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R5 (A9-9420) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2340UE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A9-9420 targets Budget Laptop, Core i3-2340UE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: A9-9420 rivals Pentium N4200; Core i3-2340UE rivals Embedded G-Series.

Feature	A9-9420	Core i3-2340UE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon R5	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Budget Laptop	Embedded

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A9-9420 was priced at $150, while the Core i3-2340UE came in at $200. On launch pricing ($150 vs $200), A9-9420 was $50 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A9-9420 delivers 10.3 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-2340UE — making the A9-9420 the 28.1% better value option.

Feature	A9-9420	Core i3-2340UE
MSRP	$150-25%	$200
Performance per Dollar	10.3+34%	7.7
Release Date	2016	2011

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