CPU·Budget

A12-9720P

AMD

PassMark

2,622

MSRP

$200

AVG Price

$25

2014-01-01

2 MB

Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

A12-9720P

4 / 4

2,622

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Overview

The A12-9720P 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,622 points. Launch price was $130.

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.

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

Performance Per Dollar A12-9720P

#67

Celeron U3400

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

110%

#68

Pentium Dual Core T4200

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

110%

#69

Pentium 977

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

109%

#70

Pentium N3520

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

109%

#71

Core 2 Duo U7500

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

106%

#72

Core i3-1115G4E

MSRP: $213|Avg: $47

106%

#73

Core Ultra 7 265HX

MSRP: $450|Avg: N/A

104%

#74

Core i3-350M

MSRP: $130|Avg: $10

104%

#75

Athlon II N370

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

103%

#76

Athlon X2 QL-64

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

103%

#77

Core i7-4700MQ

MSRP: $383|Avg: $50

102%

#78

Core 2 Quad Q9000

MSRP: $348|Avg: $15

102%

#79

Ryzen 5 230

MSRP: $200|Avg: $190

101%

#80

Celeron T3500

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

101%

#81

Pentium T4200

MSRP: $99|Avg: $10

101%

#82

A12-9720P

MSRP: $200|Avg: $25

100%

#83

Core i7-4702MQ

MSRP: $383|Avg: $50

99%

#84

Pentium 957

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

97%

#85

Core i7-3612QE

MSRP: $426|Avg: $50

94%

#86

Core 2 Solo SU3500

MSRP: $262|Avg: $15

93%

#87

Celeron 900

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

92%

#88

Core i3-1220P

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

92%

#89

3020e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

92%

#90

Pentium P6200

MSRP: $60|Avg: $25

91%

#91

Pentium T2330

MSRP: $150|Avg: $7

91%

#92

Celeron 560

MSRP: $89|Avg: $5

91%

#93

Core i7-2710QE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $40

89%

#94

Core i5-11500B

MSRP: $185|Avg: $185

88%

#95

Core i3-2310E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $20

88%

#96

A6-8500P

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16

86%

#97

Athlon Neo X2 L335

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

85%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A12-9720P across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A12-9720P specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The A12-9720P 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 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 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 2,622, 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 529.

Specification	A12-9720P
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.7 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	2 MB
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	2,622
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	529

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A12-9720P fits into the FP4 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports 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	A12-9720P
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	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 A12-9720P 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 i5-7200U.

Specification	A12-9720P
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 i5-7200U

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A12-9720P 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	A12-9720P
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

At an average price of $25 (MSRP: $200), the A12-9720P delivers 105 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2351 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A12-9720P
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$200
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$25
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$130
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2351
Release DateLaunch date	2014-01-01
Release Year	2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	AMD Bristol Ridge
Designer	AMD
Launch Price	$130
Release Date	2014-01-01
Architecture Codename	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
Performance Ranking Position	2351

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores	4
Threads	4
Die Size	250 mm2
L2 Cache	2 MB
Max Frequency	3.6 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.7 GHz
Transistor Count	3100 Million
Process Technology	28 nm
Max Core Temperature	90 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-