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.

Overview

The A12-9700P 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,415 points. Launch price was $130.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A12-9700P is positioned at rank #553 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar A12-9700P

#173

Core Ultra 5 238V

MSRP: $454|Avg: $454

100%

#176

Core i9-13900HK

MSRP: $697|Avg: N/A

97%

#541

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

729%

#542

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

718%

#543

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

659%

#544

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

656%

#545

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

650%

#547

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

628%

#548

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

602%

#549

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

601%

#550

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

585%

#553

A12-9700P

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#557

Pentium P6200

MSRP: $60|Avg: $25

99%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A12-9700P across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A12-9700P specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The A12-9700P is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 28 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,415, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 481.

Specification	A12-9700P
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	28 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2048 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	250 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	3100 Million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,415
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	481

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A12-9700P fits into the FP4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon R7 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	A12-9700P
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	AMD Bristol Ridge
SocketMotherboard socket required	FP4
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	8
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3, DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Radeon R7

🔧

Advanced Features

The A12-9700P is primarily designed for Laptop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i5-6200U.

Specification	A12-9700P
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Core i5-6200U

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A12-9700P has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 2 MB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

Specification	A12-9700P
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	2 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #553 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2424 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A12-9700P
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$130
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#553
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2424
Release DateLaunch date	2014-01-01
Release Year	2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD