A4-9120
CPU·Budget

A4-9120

AMD

PassMark

1,222

2014-01-01
1 MB
Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)

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.

Overview

The A4-9120 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. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 1,222 points. Launch price was $50.

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

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A4-9120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra29 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high28 FPS
ultra19 FPS
Destiny 2

Destiny 2

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra18 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium24 FPS
high16 FPS
ultra11 FPS
Fortnite

Fortnite

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra26 FPS
Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A4-9120 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The A4-9120 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 28 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 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 1,222, 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 350.

SpecificationA4-9120
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designStoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient28 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache160 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor124.5 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1200 Million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,222
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming350
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A4-9120 fits into the BGA socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 8 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 1 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon R3 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationA4-9120
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyBristol Ridge
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion8
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel1
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorRadeon R3
🔧

Advanced Features

The A4-9120 is primarily designed for Entry Laptop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Celeron N3350.

SpecificationA4-9120
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryEntry Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyAMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerCeleron N3350
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A4-9120 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 1 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.

SpecificationA4-9120
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload1 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionNone
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2932 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationA4-9120
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$50
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2932
Release DateLaunch date2014-01-01
Release Year2017
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

TypeLaptop
SeriesBristol Ridge
DesignerAMD
Launch Price$50
Release Date2014-01-01
Architecture CodenameStoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Performance Ranking Position2932

Technical Specifications

12 specs

Cores2
Threads2
Die Size124.5 mm2
L1 Cache160 kB
L2 Cache1 MB
Max Frequency2.5 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.2 GHz
Transistor Count1200 Million
Process Technology28 nm
Max Core Temperature90 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

3 specs

SocketBGA
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)1 MB

Memory

1 spec

RAM TypesDDR4

Our Recommendation for A4-9120

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare A4-9120

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