A8-3820
CPU·Budget

A8-3820

AMD

PassMark

2,178

MSRP

$280

AVG Price

$200

2014-01-01
65 Watt
Llano (2011−2012)

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 A8-3820 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,178 points. Launch price was $90.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A8-3820 is positioned at rank #1032 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 A8-3820

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
40066%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
37859%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
27488%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
8281%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
6560%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
5738%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
3287%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
3244%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
2953%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
2953%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
2920%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
2841%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
2802%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
2790%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
2765%
#396
Ryzen Embedded R2314
MSRP: $300|Avg: $762
99%
#1032
A8-3820
MSRP: $280|Avg: $200
100%
#1033
Core i7-860S
MSRP: $299|Avg: $96
100%
#1035
Core 2 Duo E4700
MSRP: $133|Avg: $10
98%
#1036
PRO A10-8770E
MSRP: $395|Avg: $210
98%
#1037
Athlon 64 X2 5800+
MSRP: $230|Avg: $20
98%
#1038
Phenom II X2 B53
MSRP: $150|Avg: $15
97%
#1039
Core 2 Quad Q9300
MSRP: $266|Avg: $27
97%
#1040
Core 2 Duo E7200
MSRP: $133|Avg: $133
97%
#1041
Athlon II X4 638
MSRP: $300|Avg: $280
97%
#1043
Phenom X3 8750
MSRP: $195|Avg: $20
95%
#1044
Pentium G4400TE
MSRP: $300|Avg: $250
94%
#1045
Celeron 2.60
MSRP: $53|Avg: $10
93%
#1046
Core i7-990X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $225
92%
#1047
Phenom X4 9750B
MSRP: $215|Avg: $34
91%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A8-3820 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The A8-3820 is a 4-core / 4-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 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (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 2,178, 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 354.

SpecificationA8-3820
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designLlano (2011−2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor228 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,178 million
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,178
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming354
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A8-3820 fits into the FM1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon HD 6550D — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationA8-3820
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFM1
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion20
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorRadeon HD 6550D
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUA55,A75
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The A8-3820 is primarily designed for Budget Desktop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i3-2120.

SpecificationA8-3820
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryBudget Desktop
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 manufacturerCore i3-2120
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A8-3820 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 Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

SpecificationA8-3820
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxYes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $200 (MSRP: $280), the A8-3820 delivers 11 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1032 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2515 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationA8-3820
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$280
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$200
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$90
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1032
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2515
Release DateLaunch date2014-01-01
Release Year2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD

Our Recommendation for A8-3820

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare A8-3820

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs