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. The A12-9720P is positioned at rank #1016 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 A12-9720P

#1004

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2238%

#1005

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2205%

#1006

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

2024%

#1007

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

2015%

#1008

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1997%

#1010

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1928%

#1011

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1849%

#1012

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1846%

#1013

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1796%

#1016

A12-9720P

MSRP: $200|Avg: $25

100%

#1017

Core i5-4300M

MSRP: $227|Avg: N/A

99%

#1018

Celeron 1005M

MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A

99%

#1019

Athlon 64 X2 TK-42

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

99%

#1020

Athlon Neo MV-40

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

97%

#1021

Core i7-4860EQ

MSRP: $434|Avg: $80

97%

#1022

Pentium SU2700

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

97%

#1023

A4-1250

MSRP: $100|Avg: $30

96%

#1025

Core i5-4200M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

95%

#1026

Celeron 1000M

MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A

95%

#1028

Celeron B840

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

94%

#1029

Celeron M 743

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

94%

#1030

Core i7-3612QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

94%

#1031

Pentium 967

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

93%

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. It currently holds Rank #1016 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1016
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2351
Release DateLaunch date	2014-01-01
Release Year	2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD