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. The A4-9120 is positioned at rank #871 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 A4-9120

#859

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1440%

#860

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1419%

#861

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1303%

#862

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1297%

#863

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1285%

#865

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1241%

#866

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1190%

#867

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1188%

#868

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1156%

#871

A4-9120

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#873

Celeron M 540

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

100%

#877

Microsoft SQ1

MSRP: $300|Avg: $180

99%

#879

Core i5-6440HQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

99%

#882

Celeron Dual-Core T1600

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

98%

#884

Athlon II N330

MSRP: $100|Avg: $50

98%

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.

League of Legends

Valorant

Check FPS with Custom Builds

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.

Specification	A4-9120
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	28 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	160 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	124.5 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1200 Million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,222
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	350

🧠

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.

Specification	A4-9120
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Bristol Ridge
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA
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	DDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	1
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Radeon 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.

Specification	A4-9120
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Entry 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	Celeron 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.

Specification	A4-9120
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	1 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 #871 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2932 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A4-9120
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$50
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#871
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2932
Release DateLaunch date	2014-01-01
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD