OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

AMD Athlon Silver 7120U review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£310PassMark multi-core score:3032N. of physical cores:2CPU boost clock speed:3.5 GHzCPU socket:FP6TDP (Thermal design power):15 W

AMD Athlon Silver 7120U Review: Compare 74 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

40%

4.4

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.2, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 70% of processors
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
4.4

Technical score

Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

60%

3.2

Performance

18%

5.2

Architecture

10%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.7

Power & Thermal

4%

8.2

Platform

1%

7.8

Integrated graphics

â–¼Worse than 75%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.2.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £310
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor AMD Athlon Silver 7120U

Technical score
Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components:

60%

3.2

Performance

18%

5.2

Architecture

10%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.7

Power & Thermal

4%

8.2

Platform

1%

7.8

Integrated graphics

4.4
Reviews score
7.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.0
Processor type
mobile
This processor belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 6.9% of processors and equal to that of 47.7% of processors.
CPU socket
FP6
This processor uses the FP6 CPU socket, which is older than that of 54.6% of processors and equal to that of 4.2% of processors.
Chipset
N/A
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V instruction sets, which is broader support than 85.3% of processors and equal to that of 6% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
2
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 80.4% of processors and equal to 19.6% of processors.
CPU threads
2
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 2 CPU threads, which is fewer than 94.3% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
3.5 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 3.5 GHz which is lower than that of 81.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
2x 2.4 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 2x2.4 GHz which is lower than that of 89.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
3,032
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 3,032 in PassMark, which is lower than 85.8% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
6 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 6 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 81% of processors and equal to that of 2.4% of processors.
Foundry
TSMC 6 nm
This processor is built on the TSMC 6 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 80.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.4% of processors.
L3 cache
2 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 91% of processors and equal to that of 2.7% of processors.
L2 cache
1 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 68.3% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
L1 cache
128 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to that of 14.3% of processors.
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DDR memory version
DDR5/LPDDR5
This processor supports DDR DDR5/LPDDR5, which is newer than that of 91.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
5,500 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 5,500 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.3% of processors and equal to 0.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
LPDDR5-5500 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5-5500 MHz, which is higher than that of 76.7% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
16 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 92.2% of processors and equal to 6.1% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
AMD Radeon 610M
Integrated GPU model
Radeon 610M
This processor uses the Radeon 610M integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 88.9% of processors and equal to that in 1.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
?
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57.8% of processors and equal to that of 38.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), AV1 (HW decode)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 82.1% of processors and equal to 3.1% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
15 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 79.2% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
15 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 78.3% of processors and equal to that of 15.6% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
N/A
Configurable TDP
?
Show more

AMD Athlon Silver 7120U vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • 50% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (6 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    6 nm vs 12 nm
  • 66.7% lower base power
    This processor 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
  • 87.6% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (88 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    88 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • 43.5% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (100 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    100 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 6 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 6 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 71.9% higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,500 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    5,500 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • Broader instruction support
    This processor supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, BMI1, BMI2, AMD-V vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 50% smaller process node
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (6 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    6 nm vs 12 nm
  • 43.5% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (100 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    100 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 6 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    TSMC 6 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Mendocino vs Kaby Lake).
    Mendocino vs Kaby Lake
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • 87.6% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (88 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    88 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • 71.9% higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,500 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    5,500 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5-5500 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    LPDDR5-5,500 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Better integrated GPU
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Radeon 610M vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Radeon 610M vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • 66.7% lower base power
    This processor 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
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    This processor 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
  • 73.6% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,032 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    3,032 vs 11,469
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    2 vs 6
  • 20.5% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    3.5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 64.4% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,854 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,854 vs 5,209
  • 26.5% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,879 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    1,879 vs 2,558
  • 37% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (967 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    967 vs 1,535
  • 6 fewer CPU threads
    This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (2 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    2 vs 8
  • 45.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 4.7% worse value for money
    AMD Athlon Silver 7120U has worse value for money than the average processor (6.96 vs 7.3).
    6.96 vs 7.29
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Memory Guard, Secure Processor, SME, Pluton vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Memory Guard, Secure Processor, SME, Pluton vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Older TPM support
    This processor supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2 vs PTT 2).
    fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0
  • 73.6% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,032 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    3,032 vs 11,469
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    2 vs 6
  • 20.5% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    3.5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 64.4% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,854 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,854 vs 5,209
  • 26.5% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,879 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    1,879 vs 2,558
  • 37% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (967 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    967 vs 1,535
  • 6 fewer CPU threads
    This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (2 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    2 vs 8
  • Lower base clock
    This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (2x2.4 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    2x2.4 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 2 fewer performance cores
    This processor has fewer performance cores than the average processor (2 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    2 vs 4
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 45.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 66.7% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    1 MB vs 3 MB
  • 77.8% smaller L3 cache
    This processor has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    2 MB vs 9 MB
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    128 KB vs 384 KB
  • 12 fewer PCIe lanes
    This processor has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (4 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    4 vs 16
  • 75% less memory capacity
    This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    16 GB vs 64 GB
  • 5 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about AMD Athlon Silver 7120U

  • Extremely energy efficient with a low 15W TDP, making it suitable for thin and light laptops.
  • Uses a relatively modern 6nm process and supports high-speed LPDDR5-5500 memory.
  • Generally quiet and runs cool under stress in many laptop designs.
  • Very cost-effective for extremely budget-conscious buyers.
  • Capable of handling basic single-task office work like Word, Excel, and simple web browsing.

What customers don't like about AMD Athlon Silver 7120U

  • Lacks SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading), limiting it to only 2 concurrent threads, which causes heavy lagging in multitasking.
  • Frequently reported as 'sluggish' or slow when running Windows 11, with CPU usage often hitting 90-100%.
  • Poor gaming performance; its Radeon 610M iGPU is bottlenecked by the weak CPU, making it unsuitable for most 3D games.
  • Performance is often worse than older mid-range chips, such as the Core i5-7300U from 2017.
  • Small cache (2MB L3) significantly limits its ability to handle modern, heavy applications.

Verdict

The AMD Athlon Silver 7120U is an entry-level mobile processor from the Mendocino series, featuring 2 cores and 2 threads based on the Zen 2 architecture. Built on a modern 6nm process, it operates at a base clock of 2.4 GHz with a boost up to 3.5 GHz, and includes 2MB of L3 cache alongside integrated Radeon 610M graphics. Its primary advantages are high power efficiency with a low 15W TDP and support for fast LPDDR5-5500 memory, making it well-suited for thin, light, and affordable laptops. However, its main drawbacks include limited multitasking performance due to the lack of multi-threading (SMT) and an older CPU architecture that struggles with demanding modern applications.

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