Athlon Gold 7220U
CPU·Budget

Athlon Gold 7220U

AMD

PassMark

4,904

2009-01-01
15 Watt
Mendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023)

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 Athlon Gold 7220U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Mendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 6 nm process technology. Socket: FT6. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,904 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon Gold 7220U is positioned at rank #655 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 Athlon Gold 7220U

#643
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
898%
#644
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
884%
#645
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
812%
#646
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
808%
#647
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
801%
#649
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
773%
#650
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
742%
#651
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
740%
#652
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
720%
#655
Athlon Gold 7220U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#662
Athlon II P360
MSRP: $60|Avg: $10
99%
#665
Athlon X2 QL-64
MSRP: $50|Avg: $15
99%
#666
Core 3 N350
MSRP: $225|Avg: $220
99%
#668
FX-7500
MSRP: $100|Avg: $25
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon Gold 7220U specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Athlon Gold 7220U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Mendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023) architecture, manufactured on a 6 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,904, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Aging generation product.

SpecificationAthlon Gold 7220U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designMendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient6 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor100 mm2
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score4,904
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon Gold 7220U fits into the FT6 socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 4 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5 Dual-channel memory at speeds up to 5500 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon 610M — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationAthlon Gold 7220U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyMendocino (Zen 2, Ryzen 7020)
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFT6
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 4.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion4
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR5 Dual-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency5500
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorRadeon 610M
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUFT6
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i3-1115G4.

SpecificationAthlon Gold 7220U
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologytrue
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerCore i3-1115G4
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon Gold 7220U 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. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.

SpecificationAthlon Gold 7220U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxfalse
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Integrated
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #655 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1891 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationAthlon Gold 7220U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#655
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1891
Release DateLaunch date2009-01-01
Release Year2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)TSMC

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