CPU
GPU
Core i7-620UM
A9-9420e
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-620UM is positioned at rank 1228 and the A9-9420e is on rank 833, so the A9-9420e offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-620UM
Performance Per Dollar A9-9420e
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-620UM | A9-9420e |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($278) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-620UM | A9-9420e |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($278) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-620UM and A9-9420e
Core i7-620UM
The Core i7-620UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.06 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,091 points. Launch price was $278.
A9-9420e
The A9-9420e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.5 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: 1,101 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-620UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A9-9420e's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core i7-620UM versus 2.5 GHz on the A9-9420e — a 16% clock advantage for the A9-9420e. The Core i7-620UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the A9-9420e uses Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-620UM scores 1,091 against the A9-9420e's 1,101 — a 0.9% lead for the A9-9420e.
| Feature | Core i7-620UM | A9-9420e |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz | 2.5 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 1.06 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 1,091 | 1,101 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 350 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 700 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-620UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A9-9420e uses BGA (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-620UM versus 2133 on the A9-9420e — the A9-9420e supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A9-9420e supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-620UM) vs 1 (A9-9420e). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-620UM) vs 4 (A9-9420e) — the Core i7-620UM offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,QM57 (Core i7-620UM) and FT4,FP4 (A9-9420e).
| Feature | Core i7-620UM | A9-9420e |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | BGA |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 2133+71000% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+300% | 4 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-620UM) vs true (A9-9420e). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-620UM) and Radeon R5 Graphics (A9-9420e) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620UM targets Ultra-Portable Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600; A9-9420e rivals Pentium N4200.
| Feature | Core i7-620UM | A9-9420e |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | Radeon R5 Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Ultra-Portable Laptop | — |
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