AMD A6-9120C SoC
AMD A6-9120C SoC: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks. Full Review
April 2025
Introduction
In an era where even budget laptops are equipped with 5nm AI chips, processors like the AMD A6-9120C seem like an anachronism. However, such solutions still hold their niche — for instance, in ultra-budget devices for education or as "digital assistants" for non-demanding tasks. Let's explore who might find this modest chip useful in 2025 and what pitfalls to consider.
Architecture and Process Technology: An Outdated Foundation with Modest Demands
Cores, Threads, and Frequencies
Released in 2019, the AMD A6-9120C is built on the Stoney Ridge microarchitecture with a 28nm manufacturing process. It is a dual-core processor without support for multithreading (2 cores / 2 threads). Its base frequency is 1.5 GHz, and it can boost up to 2.4 GHz. In comparison, modern budget Intel N-series chips (e.g., N100) use a 10nm process and feature 4 cores.
Integrated Graphics Radeon R4
The iGPU Radeon R4 (based on 3rd generation GCN architecture) has 128 shader processors and a frequency of up to 600 MHz. This is sufficient for driving two displays (including 4K@30Hz) and playing games like Minecraft or Dota 2 at minimal settings (15-25 FPS). Support for APIs is limited to DirectX 12 (Feature Level 12_0) and OpenGL 4.5 — this is insufficient for modern titles like Fortnite.
Power Consumption and TDP: The Chip’s Main Advantage
The chip has a TDP of 6W, allowing it to be used in passively cooled devices (without fans) and compact laptops. However, this low power consumption is achieved due to the archaic 28nm manufacturing process — modern counterparts (like Intel N200 at 10nm) offer double the performance for a similar TDP.
Performance: Real Tests and Limitations
Office Work and Multimedia
- Google Chrome: Comfortable use with 5-7 tabs, but loading YouTube 1080p may cause stutters.
- Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint open in 3-5 seconds (with SSD present).
- 4K Video: Playback is only possible with hardware acceleration (e.g., in VLC with GPU mode enabled).
Gaming
- CS:GO: 720p, low settings — 25-30 FPS.
- Genshin Impact: Even on minimum settings, playability is impossible — stability is below 15 FPS.
- Older Titles: Half-Life 2, The Sims 4 — 30-40 FPS.
Turbo Mode
Under load on a single core, the frequency can rise to 2.4 GHz, but due to the weak cooling systems in budget laptops, the turbo mode often shuts off after 1-2 minutes. Consequently, the actual stable frequency rarely exceeds 2.0 GHz.
Use Cases: Who Could Benefit from the A6-9120C?
- Students: For working with texts, online courses, and Zoom.
- Senior Users: Viewing photos, Skype, simple browser games.
- Backup Device: An inexpensive laptop for travel or business trips.
Not Suitable For:
- Video editing (even at 1080p).
- Running modern Electron applications (like Slack or Discord with active plugins).
- Working with virtual machines.
Battery Life: How Long Will It Last?
In laptops with a 40-45 Wh battery (e.g., HP 14s-dk0023ur), runtime reaches 8-10 hours under moderate load (brightness at 50%, Wi-Fi, text editor). Contributing factors include:
- AMD PowerNow! technology — dynamic frequency management.
- Power-saving mode when running on battery (automatic disabling of Turbo).
However, active use of the browser with multiple tabs may reduce battery life to 4-5 hours.
Comparison with Competitors: Who is Stronger in 2025?
AMD Athlon Silver 3050e
- Pros: 2 cores / 4 threads, 6W TDP.
- Cons: 20-30% more expensive.
Intel Celeron N4020
- Pros: Better support for video codecs (HEVC 10-bit).
- Cons: Weaker graphics (UHD 600).
Apple M1 (in Base MacBook Air)
- Pros: 3-4 times higher performance.
- Cons: Pricing starts at $999 — not competitive in terms of price.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the A6-9120C
Strengths:
- Low price for laptops ($200-300).
- Passive cooling (quiet operation).
- Support for modern operating systems (Windows 11, Linux).
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 28nm manufacturing process.
- No support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Wi-Fi 6.
- Limited upgradeability (memory and SSD are often soldered onto the motherboard).
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Type of Device: Only ultrabooks or Chromebooks (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad 1 or ASUS Laptop 15).
2. Essential Components:
- SSD of 256GB (laptops with HDDs will be intolerably slow).
- 8GB RAM (4GB will be insufficient even for browsing in 2025).
3. Screen: IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920x1080 — many budget models still use TN 1366x768.
4. What to Ignore:
- "Gaming" design — it's just marketing.
- Touchscreens (the processor will struggle with smooth operation).
Final Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying?
The AMD A6-9120C is a chip for those who need a maximally inexpensive laptop for basic tasks. It is suitable for:
- Study and document work.
- As a secondary device for travel.
- Users who do not want to overpay for unused features.
Key Benefits:
- Pricing starts from $200.
- Silent operation without fans.
- Sufficient performance for web browsing and office tasks.
However, if your budget allows an additional $100-150, it’s better to choose a laptop with an Intel N100 or AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor — they will last longer and won't disappoint in unexpected situations.