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AMD A12 9720P Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£200
  • PassMark benchmark result: 2636
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.6 GHz

AMD A12 9720P review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.7

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.0

Performance

18.0%

3.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.4

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

6.6

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 1.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.3

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.4

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.0

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £200

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The AMD A12-9720P is a mainstream Bristol Ridge (7th Gen) quad-core processor for notebooks, released in 2017 with a base clock of 2.7 GHz and a boost up to 3.6 GHz. Built on a 28nm process with an Excavator architecture, it features an integrated Radeon R7 GPU with 512 shader units and a 15W TDP, making it a energy-efficient choice for thin laptops. Its main pros include competitive integrated graphics for its time, capable of handling light 2015-era gaming at low settings, and a dual-channel memory controller that supports DDR4-1866 RAM. However, its primary cons are aging performance that struggles with modern multitasking, poor single-thread efficiency compared to Intel counterparts of the same era, and significant performance drops under sustained heavy workloads due to thermal and power limitations.

Technical Specifications of processor AMD A12 9720P

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

3.7
AMD A12 9720P has a technical score of 3.68 points, which is lower than that of 91.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
AMD A12 9720P has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

5.4
AMD A12 9720P has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.4 points, which is lower than 88.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

AMD
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
AMD A12 9720P belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FP4
AMD A12 9720P uses the FP4 CPU socket, which is older than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

X370, B350, A320
AMD A12 9720P supports X370, B350, A320 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
AMD A12 9720P uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
AMD A12 9720P has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
AMD A12 9720P offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
AMD A12 9720P offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.6 GHz
AMD A12 9720P reaches a boost clock of 3.6 GHz which is lower than that of 76.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.6% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 2.7 GHz
AMD A12 9720P has a base clock of 4x2.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

28 nm
AMD A12 9720P uses a 28 nm process node, which is older than that of 94.8% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

GlobalFoundries 28 nm
AMD A12 9720P is built on the GlobalFoundries 28 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 94.8% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

0 MB
AMD A12 9720P has an L3 cache of 0 MB which is smaller than that of 93.6% of processors and equal to that of 6.4% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

2 MB
AMD A12 9720P has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51.3% of processors and equal to that of 11.1% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

320 KB
AMD A12 9720P has an L1 cache of 320 KB which is smaller than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
AMD A12 9720P supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,866 MHz
AMD A12 9720P supports memory speeds up to 1866 MHz, which is lower than that of 84.5% of processors and equal to 2.7% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-1866 MHz
AMD A12 9720P supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-1866 MHz, which is lower than that of 82.8% of processors and equal to 0.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
AMD A12 9720P supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
AMD A12 9720P includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Radeon R7
AMD A12 9720P uses the Radeon R7 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 82.6% of processors and equal to that in 1.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

8
AMD A12 9720P has 8 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 74.1% of processors and equal to 7.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

758 MHz
AMD A12 9720P has an integrated GPU clock of 758 MHz which is higher than that of 90.3% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode)
AMD A12 9720P supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 56.2% of processors and equal to 9.5% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
AMD A12 9720P has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
AMD A12 9720P has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
AMD A12 9720P supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 12-15 W
Show more

AMD A12 9720P vs the average processor

  • 66.7% lower base power
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    AMD A12 9720P has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 10 °C lower CPU temperature
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
    When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <100 °C

    AMD A12 9720P has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.90 °C vs 100 °C
  • 2x more L2 per core
    AMD A12 9720P has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    AMD A12 9720P has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    AMD A12 9720P has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 2.17x higher GPU clock speed
    AMD A12 9720P has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (758 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
    What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
    When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=350 MHz

    AMD A12 9720P has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (758 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.758 MHz vs 350 MHz
  • 2x more L2 per core
    AMD A12 9720P has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 2.17x higher GPU clock speed
    AMD A12 9720P has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (758 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 10 °C lower CPU temperature
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Cache & Architecture
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • 3 year/s older release date
    AMD A12 9720P has an older release date than the average processor (2,017 vs 2,020).
    July 2017
  • No crypto acceleration
    AMD A12 9720P does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older TPM support
    AMD A12 9720P supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0).
  • 47.9% weaker single-core performance
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,293 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 63.9% lower single-core score
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (531 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 88.9% lower multi-core score
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (531 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 16.3% lower boost clock
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 75% lower PassMark score
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,636 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    AMD A12 9720P has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • No multithreading support
    AMD A12 9720P does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    AMD A12 9720P has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    AMD A12 9720P has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 2.33x larger process node
    AMD A12 9720P has a higher process node than the average processor (28 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    AMD A12 9720P uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bristol Ridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 40.4% larger die size
    AMD A12 9720P has a higher die size than the average processor (250 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Less advanced foundry
    AMD A12 9720P uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (GlobalFoundries 28 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 37.4% fewer transistors
    AMD A12 9720P has fewer transistors than the average processor (3.1 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 8 fewer PCIe lanes
    AMD A12 9720P has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 34.7% lower memory bandwidth
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (29.9 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 36.4% lower memory speed
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,866 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    AMD A12 9720P has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    AMD A12 9720P uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Radeon R7 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 66.7% fewer GPU execution units
    AMD A12 9720P has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (8 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • Narrower media codec support
    AMD A12 9720P supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 10 °C lower TJ Max
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 47.9% weaker single-core performance
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,293 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    AMD A12 9720P has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,293 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,293 vs 2,483
  • 63.9% lower single-core score
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (531 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    AMD A12 9720P has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (531 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.531 vs 1,471
  • 88.9% lower multi-core score
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (531 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    AMD A12 9720P has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (531 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.531 vs 4,793
  • 2.33x larger process node
    AMD A12 9720P has a higher process node than the average processor (28 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    AMD A12 9720P has a higher process node than the average processor (28 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.28 nm vs 12 nm
  • 16.3% lower boost clock
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    AMD A12 9720P has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 75% lower PassMark score
    AMD A12 9720P has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,636 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    AMD A12 9720P has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (2,636 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.2,636 vs 10,532.5
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    AMD A12 9720P has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    AMD A12 9720P has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    AMD A12 9720P uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bristol Ridge vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    AMD A12 9720P uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Bristol Ridge vs Kaby Lake).Bristol Ridge vs Kaby Lake
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about AMD A12 9720P?

  • Integrated Radeon R7 graphics perform better than contemporary Intel entry-level integrated solutions
  • Affordably priced option for budget-conscious business and general computing needs
  • Capable of handling basic daily activities like web browsing, video streaming, and office work
  • Low TDP (15W) makes it suitable for thin and portable 12-inch to 15-inch notebooks
  • Provides a 'true' quad-core experience for slightly better multi-thread performance compared to some budget dual-core chips
  • Can run older games (2015/2016) smoothly at low settings

What customers dislike about AMD A12 9720P?

  • Significantly lower single-thread performance compared to Intel Core i5 and i7 counterparts
  • Struggles with modern, demanding games, often leading to stuttering and low frame rates
  • Outdated 'Excavator' architecture is less power-efficient than newer 14nm or 7nm Ryzen processors
  • Prone to CPU and GPU throttling under heavy workloads, which can bottleneck performance
  • Inadequate for resource-heavy multitasking or professional applications like complex VMs and IDEs
  • Poor battery life compared to more modern Ryzen-based alternatives

Expert reviews

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laptopmedia.com
30/03/2026
AMD A12-9720P | LaptopMedia UK

The AMD A12-9720P is a 7th-generation "Bristol Ridge" 15W quad-core APU designed for budget-friendly laptops, offering 2.7 GHz base and 3.6 GHz boost speeds. It utilizes two "Excavator" modules, delivering performance generally comparable to older dual-core Intel Core i3 or i5-4210U processors. While efficient for basic tasks, the 28nm architecture lags behind modern alternatives in...Read more

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cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
UserBenchmark: AMD A12-9720P APU (2016 M.BR)

The AMD A12-9720P is a 7th-gen "Bristol Ridge" 15W APU featuring 4 cores and integrated Radeon R7 graphics, positioned for budget-friendly laptops. Proponents highlight its functional, energy-efficient design for daily tasks and basic multitasking, supported by a 2.7 GHz base clock. However, the 28nm "Excavator" architecture struggles with modern software, exhibiting poor...Read more

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valid.x86.fr
20/11/2025
AMD A12-9720P RADEON R7 Performance Score - CPU-Z Validator

The CPU-Z validator result for kymhaw/32 confirms the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D as a high-performance "Zen 4" processor utilizing 3D V-Cache, optimized for 8-core/16-thread efficiency. The processor demonstrates extreme power efficiency and top-tier gaming performance, with strong thermal management sustaining roughly 4.8 GHz under load and avoiding the complex scheduling issues of...Read more

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valid.x86.fr
15/12/2025
CPU-Z Benchmark for AMD A12-9720P Radeon R7 (4T)

This CPU-Z benchmark highlights the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D, an 8-core/16-thread "Zen 3" processor designed for the AM4 platform with a massive 96MB L3 cache. Achieving a single-thread score of approximately 542 and a 6-thread score of roughly 2802, the processor showcases its capability as a specialized, cache-sensitive solution. The 3D V-Cache design provides a significant 15%...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
14/06/2026
AMD A12-9720P | LaptopMedia

The AMD A12-9720P is a 7th-generation Bristol Ridge quad-core processor built on a 28nm process, designed for budget-friendly laptops with a 15W TDP. It features a 2.7 GHz base clock and up to 3.6 GHz boost, supporting DDR4-1866 RAM to improve performance for basic office work and general multitasking. A key advantage is the integrated Radeon R7 graphics (512 shaders), which can...Read more

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valid.x86.fr
Mars 2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for AMD A12-9720P Radeon R7

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (ID: 0fdl3c/4), featuring Zen 5 architecture and second-gen 3D V-Cache, is established as a top-tier gaming processor with 8 cores, 16 threads, and boosted clocks up to 5.2 GHz. Pros include market-leading gaming performance, improved productivity capabilities over its predecessor, and an unlocked design for enthusiast overclocking. Cons involve higher power...Read more

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cpu-monkey.com
02/10/2025
AMD A12-9720P Benchmarks & Specs

The AMD A12-9720P is a 2017 quad-core "Bristol Ridge" SoC designed for thin-and-light laptops, featuring a 2.7 GHz base clock (up to 3.6 GHz boost) and support for DDR4-1866 memory. It operates within a 15W TDP, providing adequate power for basic tasks and light, portable computing. The main strength lies in its integrated Radeon R7 graphics (512 shaders), which can outperform older...Read more

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cpu.userbenchmark.com
23 March 2026 (Live Data)
UserBenchmark: AMD A12-9720P APU (2016 M.BR) - Test Results Italy

The AMD A12-9720P is a 2017 "Bristol Ridge" quad-core APU designed for budget laptops, featuring integrated Radeon R7 graphics and supporting dual-channel DDR4 memory for improved gaming performance on low settings. While suitable for basic tasks with a 15W TDP, its aging 28nm Excavator architecture lacks L3 cache, leading to poor single-threaded performance compared to Intel...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
26/02/2026
Intel Core i5-4200U Notebook Processor [Includes benchmark results of the A12-9720P]

The Intel Core i5-4200U is a mid-2013 Haswell-based Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) dual-core processor designed for thin-and-light laptops, featuring a 1.6 GHz base clock that boosts to 2.6 GHz within a 15W TDP. It provides roughly 10% better performance per clock than its Ivy Bridge predecessors and supports Hyper-Threading for efficient handling of everyday office and multimedia tasks....Read more

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