A9-9420
AMD
PassMark
1,538
MSRP
$150
AVG Price
$30
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 A9-9420 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,538 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A9-9420
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for A9-9420 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
Counter-Strike 2
Dota 2
Final Fantasy XIV
Fortnite
Grand Theft Auto V
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of A9-9420 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The A9-9420 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 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 3 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 (total) of L2 cache and 160 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,538, 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 497, while multi-core reaches 950.
| Specification | A9-9420 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 28 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 0 kB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1 MB (total) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 160 kB |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 125 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1,200 million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 90 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,538 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 497 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 950 |
Memory & Platform
The A9-9420 fits into the FT4 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 R5 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | A9-9420 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | AMD Bristol Ridge |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FT4 |
| 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 R5 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | SoC |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The A9-9420 is primarily designed for Budget Laptop. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium N4200.
| Specification | A9-9420 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Budget 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 | Pentium N4200 |
Power & Cooling
The A9-9420 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — 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: Laptop Cooling.
| Specification | A9-9420 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 15 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 90 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Laptop Cooling |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $150), the A9-9420 delivers 51 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2784 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | A9-9420 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $150 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $30 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $69 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2784 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 31 May 2016 (9 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | GlobalFoundries |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | AMD Bristol Ridge |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $69 |
| Manufacturer | GlobalFoundries |
| Release Date | 31 May 2016 (9 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2784 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 125 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 160 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (total) |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Max Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,200 million |
| Process Technology | 28 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 90 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 74 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FT4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 15 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for A9-9420
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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