Ryzen 5 5600X vs A4-9120C
Ryzen 5 5600X
A4-9120C
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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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Per Dollar A4-9120C
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | A4-9120C |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | ✨ Modern (Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 5600X | A4-9120C |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) | ✅ 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 Ryzen 5 5600X and A4-9120C
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 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. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
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.
Processing Power
The Ryzen 5 5600X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the A4-9120C offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X versus 1.6 GHz on the A4-9120C — a 96.8% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X. The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the A4-9120C uses Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 5600X scores 21,845 against the A4-9120C's 1,258 — a 178.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | A4-9120C |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+200% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+187% | 1.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB | — |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1 MB+100% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-75% | 28 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 21,845+1636% | 1,258 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 418 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 5600X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the A4-9120C uses BGA (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 1 (A4-9120C). PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) vs 8 (A4-9120C) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | A4-9120C |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | BGA |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+1500% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+200% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AMD-V virtualization. The A4-9120C includes integrated graphics (Radeon R4), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop, A4-9120C targets Chromebook. Direct competitor: A4-9120C rivals Celeron N3350.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 5600X | A4-9120C |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon R4 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | Chromebook |
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