AMD A6-9220C SoC
AMD A6-9220C SoC: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks – Relevance in 2025
Overview of Architecture, Performance, and Use Cases
Introduction
Even in 2025, entry-level laptops remain on the market where the balance of price and energy efficiency plays a key role. The AMD A6-9220C, released back in 2017, is still found in budget devices priced between $250 and $400. Let's explore who might find this processor suitable today and how competitive it is.
Architecture and Specifications
Stoney Ridge: Minimum Cores, Maximum Savings
The A6-9220C is built on the Excavator microarchitecture (codename Stoney Ridge) with a 28 nm manufacturing process, which was considered outdated even at its launch. It is a dual-core processor without support for multithreading (2 cores / 2 threads). The base clock speed is 1.8 GHz, with a maximum turbo boost of 2.7 GHz.
The integrated Radeon R4 graphics (GCN 2.0) features 128 shader processors and operates at a frequency of 720 MHz. It supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and H.264/HEVC video decoding, but struggles with real-time 4K content rendering.
Key Limitations:
- Lack of support for AVX2 and modern AI instructions.
- Maximum RAM support is 16 GB (DDR4-1866).
- No hardware acceleration for the AV1 codec.
Power Consumption and TDP
The processor's TDP is 6 W, making it ideal for compact devices with passive cooling. However, this low TDP is achieved at the cost of modest performance. In idle mode, the chip consumes less than 1 W, while under load (for instance, running a browser with 10 tabs) it can go up to 5 W.
Energy-Saving Technologies:
- AMD PowerNow! – dynamic frequency and voltage scaling.
- CoolCore – disabling unused processor blocks.
These technologies extend the battery life of laptops to 8-10 hours when using office applications, but only with a large capacity battery (40-50 Wh).
Performance in Real-World Scenarios
Office Work and Multimedia
- Chrome with 5-7 tabs + Microsoft Word: the processor manages, but lagging can occur during background updates.
- YouTube 1080p: playback is smooth, but 4K video causes stuttering (no hardware decoding for VP9).
- Zoom conference: operates on minimum settings, but lag occurs when background effects are enabled.
Gaming
Radeon R4 graphics is suited for the most undemanding games:
- CS:GO: 720p, low settings – 25-30 FPS.
- Minecraft (without shaders): 30-35 FPS.
- Stardew Valley, Terraria: steady 60 FPS.
Turbo mode rarely activates and only for a short time (for example, when opening a heavy webpage), increasing the frequency to 2.7 GHz for 10-15 seconds. In games, it has little effect on FPS due to the weak graphics.
Use Cases: Who is the A6-9220C Suitable For?
1. Students – for text work, presentations, and webinars.
2. "Internet only" users – social media, online videos, light applications.
3. Backup laptop – a compact device for travel.
Not suitable for:
- Freelancers working in Photoshop or Figma.
- Gamers (except for casual 2D games).
- Those who edit videos or use virtual machines.
Battery Life: Myths and Reality
With a TDP of 6 W, the actual battery life depends on the battery capacity and OS optimization. For instance:
- A laptop with a 40 Wh battery: 8-9 hours in PDF reading mode.
- With active Wi-Fi and screen backlighting – up to 5 hours.
Tip: Choose models with SSDs (not HDDs) and screens with matte coating – this will reduce power consumption by 10-15%.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon Silver 3050e (2020)
- 2 cores / 2 threads, 6 W TDP, Radeon RX Vega 2 graphics.
- 20% more performance in multitasking due to Zen architecture.
- Laptop prices start from $300.
Intel Celeron N4020 (2019)
- 2 cores / 2 threads, 6 W TDP, UHD 600 graphics.
- Better optimized for Windows 11 but lags behind in graphics.
- Devices start from $280.
Apple M1 (2020)
- Comparison is not accurate due to price and performance differences, but even the base MacBook Air with M1 ($999) is 5–7 times faster.
Conclusion: The A6-9220C in 2025 is an option only under a strict budget of up to $300. Competitors offer better value for money.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Low price of laptops.
- Quiet operation (no cooler).
- Sufficient for basic tasks.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated architecture.
- Does not support modern codecs (AV1).
- Weak multitasking.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Type of device: Ultrabook with a screen size of 11-14 inches (e.g., HP Stream 14 or Lenovo Ideapad 1).
2. RAM: At least 8 GB – 4 GB in 2025 is insufficient even for Windows 11.
3. Storage: Only SSD (128-256 GB).
4. Screen: A resolution of 1920x1080 is not essential – for battery efficiency, 1366x768 will suffice.
Caution! Avoid models with HDD and 4 GB RAM – they will turn even simple tasks into a chore.
Final Conclusion
The AMD A6-9220C in 2025 is a processor for those looking for the cheapest laptop for web browsing, document work, and HD video viewing. Its key advantages are price and battery life, but these come at the cost of low performance and lack of upgrade potential.
Who it’s suitable for:
- Seniors, schoolchildren.
- Users needing a second laptop for travel.
- Those willing to accept limitations for savings of $100–150.
If your budget allows you to spend $350–400, it's better to choose a device based on AMD Athlon Silver or Intel Pentium Gold – they will last longer and will not disappoint in everyday tasks.