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Overview

The A9-9420e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 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: 1,101 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The A9-9420e is positioned at rank #833 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 A9-9420e

#820

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1332%

#821

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1313%

#822

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1205%

#823

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1200%

#824

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1189%

#826

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1148%

#827

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1101%

#828

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1099%

#829

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1069%

#833

A9-9420e

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#834

FX-9830P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

100%

#835

Celeron M P4600

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

100%

#836

Celeron 887

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

99%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for A9-9420e across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of A9-9420e specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The A9-9420e 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— 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 1,101, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	A9-9420e
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.5 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
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	1,101

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A9-9420e fits into the BGA socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 4 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to 2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 across 1 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon R5 Graphics — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	A9-9420e
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	AMD 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	4
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
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 Graphics
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	FT4,FP4

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium N4200.

Specification	A9-9420e
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium N4200

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The A9-9420e 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. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.

Specification	A9-9420e
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	false
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Integrated

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #833 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3009 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	A9-9420e
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#833
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3009
Release DateLaunch date	1 June 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD