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 A4-3420 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,067 points. Launch price was $50.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A4-3420 is positioned at rank #875 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 A4-3420

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

18984%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

17938%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

13024%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3924%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

3108%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2719%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1557%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1537%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1399%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1399%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1384%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1346%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1327%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1322%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1310%

#875

A4-3420

MSRP: $65|Avg: $30

100%

#876

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

100%

#877

Core i5-3335S

MSRP: $225|Avg: $30

99%

#878

Pentium G3470

MSRP: $150|Avg: $130

99%

#879

Core i5-3470T

MSRP: $184|Avg: $35

99%

#881

Pentium G6960

MSRP: $89|Avg: $15

98%

#882

Core i5-2500T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $30

98%

#884

Athlon II X2 265

MSRP: $83|Avg: $15

97%

#885

Core i3-2100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $10

97%

#886

A8-3800

MSRP: $130|Avg: $40

96%

#887

Pentium E5200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

95%

#888

Athlon II X2 235e

MSRP: $69|Avg: $15

95%

#889

Core i7-2600S

MSRP: $297|Avg: $99

95%

#890

Athlon II X2 250e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $15

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A4-3420 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A4-3420 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The A4-3420 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 128 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,067, 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 300, while multi-core reaches 500.

Specification	A4-3420
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Llano (2011−2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	228 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,178 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,067
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	300
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	500

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A4-3420 fits into the FM1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon HD 6410D — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	A4-3420
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FM1
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 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 HD 6410D
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	A55,A75,A85X
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The A4-3420 is primarily designed for Entry Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G630.

Specification	A4-3420
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Entry Desktop
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	Pentium G630

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A4-3420 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	A4-3420
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $65), the A4-3420 delivers 36 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #875 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3031 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A4-3420
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$65
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$50
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#875
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3031
Release DateLaunch date	2014-01-01
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD