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 Silver 7120U 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 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 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: 3,012 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Athlon Silver 7120U is positioned at rank #976 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 Silver 7120U

#964

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1948%

#965

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1920%

#966

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1762%

#967

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1754%

#968

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1738%

#970

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1679%

#971

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1610%

#972

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1607%

#973

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1564%

#976

Athlon Silver 7120U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#977

Phenom II X2 N640

MSRP: $100|Avg: $55

100%

#978

A10-8700P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $40

100%

#982

Athlon II Neo K125

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

99%

#986

Pro A8-8600B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

98%

#991

Pentium 8500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Athlon Silver 7120U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Athlon Silver 7120U specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Athlon Silver 7120U is a 2-core / 2-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 3.5 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 2 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 3,012, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Aging generation product.

Specification	Athlon Silver 7120U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Mendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	6 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	100 mm2
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,012

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon Silver 7120U 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 LPDDR5-5500 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: AMD Radeon 610M — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Athlon Silver 7120U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FT6
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 4.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	4
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR5 Dual-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	LPDDR5-5500
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	AMD Radeon 610M
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	AMD FT6
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Athlon Silver 7120U 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.

Specification	Athlon Silver 7120U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #976 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2244 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Athlon Silver 7120U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#976
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2244
Release DateLaunch date	2009-01-01
Release Year	2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	TSMC