The AMD Athlon Silver 7120U is a mobile processor that falls under the Mendocino series, specifically designed for budget-friendly laptops. In this article, we will delve into the technical details of the Athlon Silver 7120U, exploring its architecture, performance characteristics, and power efficiency.
Processor Architecture
The Athlon Silver 7120U integrates two Zen 2 cores, which are part of the Zen 2 microarchitecture used in processors like the Ryzen 4000 series. These CPU cores have a clock range of 2.4 GHz at the base level and can turbo boost up to 3.5 GHz for single-core tasks. The processor features a 2 MB L3 cache, contributing to its efficiency and performance.
It's important to note that the Athlon Silver 7120U does not support Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) or Hyperthreading. Consequently, the processor is limited to handling only two threads simultaneously, which can affect its multitasking capabilities compared to processors that support SMT.
Memory and Graphics
The Athlon Silver 7120U features an integrated memory controller that supports fast LPDDR5 memory with a maximum frequency of 5500 MHz. This integration allows for efficient memory access and improved overall system performance. Moving on to graphics, the processor is equipped with the Radeon 610M integrated GPU, built on the RDNA 2 architecture. However, it is worth noting that this GPU only incorporates 2 Compute Units (CUs) or 128 shaders, with a clock speed of up to 1.9 GHz.
Performance and Comparison
In terms of CPU performance, the Athlon Silver 7120U is expected to perform similarly to the fastest dual-core processor in the Ryzen series, such as the Ryzen 3 3250U. However, it falls behind modern quad-core CPUs in multi-threaded tests due to its limited thread handling capabilities.
When compared to other models in the Mendocino series, such as the Ryzen 5 7520U, the Athlon Silver 7120U offers fewer cores, no SMT support, less L3 cache, and reduced clock speeds. This inevitably results in lower overall CPU performance, making it suitable for entry-level laptops and tasks that do not require extensive processing power.
Manufacturing and Power Efficiency
The Mendocino series, including the Athlon Silver 7120U, is manufactured using a relatively modern 6nm FinFET process at TSMC. This manufacturing process contributes to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. The Athlon Silver 7120U is rated with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) ranging from 8 to 15 watts, making it well-suited for thin and lightweight laptops that prioritize battery life and portability.
Technical Specifications
Here's a quick overview of the technical specifications of the AMD Athlon Silver 7120U:
- Series: AMD Mendocino (Zen 2)
- Codename: Mendocino (Zen 2)
- Clock Rate: 2400 - 3500 MHz
- Level 1 Cache: 128 KB
- Level 2 Cache: 1 MB
- Level 3 Cache: 2 MB
- Number of Cores / Threads: 2 / 2
- Power Consumption (TDP): 15 Watt
- Manufacturing Technology: 6 nm
- Features: XFR, FMA3, SSE 4.2, AVX2, SMT
- GPU: AMD Radeon 610M (- 1900 MHz)
- 64 Bit: 64 Bit support
- Architecture: x86
Usage Scenarios and Considerations
The AMD Athlon Silver 7120U is designed with certain usage scenarios in mind. Its lower power consumption and cost-effective design make it a suitable choice for budget laptops targeted at casual users, students, and professionals who primarily engage in light computing tasks. These tasks include web browsing, word processing, streaming media, and basic photo editing.
However, it's important to note that the Athlon Silver 7120U might not be well-suited for resource-intensive activities such as video editing, 3D rendering, or heavy gaming. These tasks demand more processing power and benefit from processors with higher core counts and more advanced features.
Comparative Analysis
Let's compare the Athlon Silver 7120U with its sibling, the Athlon Gold 7220U, and the Ryzen 3 3250U to gain a better understanding of their differences:
| Processor | Cores / Threads | Base Clock | Turbo Boost | L3 Cache |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athlon Silver 7120U | 2 / 2 | 2.4 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 2 MB |
| Athlon Gold 7220U | 2 / 4 | 2.4 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 4 MB |
| Ryzen 3 3250U | 2 / 4 | 2.6 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 4 MB |
From the comparison, it's evident that the Athlon Silver 7120U offers the lowest core count and cache size among the three processors. While the Athlon Gold 7220U and Ryzen 3 3250U provide more cores and cache, the Athlon Silver 7120U compensates with a lower TDP, making it an attractive option for laptops prioritizing energy efficiency.
Future Prospects
As technology continues to advance, processors like the Athlon Silver 7120U will pave the way for improved performance and efficiency in entry-level laptops. AMD's commitment to refining its architectures and manufacturing processes suggests that upcoming iterations of processors will likely offer better multitasking capabilities, graphics performance, and power efficiency.
Final Thoughts
The AMD Athlon Silver 7120U serves as an entry point into the world of laptop processors, providing a cost-effective solution for users with basic computing needs. Its combination of Zen 2 cores, integrated Radeon graphics, and efficient manufacturing process makes it an attractive option for lightweight laptops. However, users seeking more processing power for demanding tasks should consider higher-tier processors within AMD's lineup. Ultimately, the Athlon Silver 7120U exemplifies AMD's dedication to offering a range of processors to cater to various user requirements.
It has a passmark score of 2558 points.Conclusion
The AMD Athlon Silver 7120U presents a cost-effective solution for entry-level laptops, offering a balance between performance, power efficiency, and affordability. Its Zen 2 cores and modern manufacturing process contribute to its capabilities, while its limitations in terms of thread handling and cache size impact its performance in comparison to higher-tier processors. The integrated Radeon 610M GPU enhances multimedia and light gaming experiences, making it suitable for everyday computing tasks.
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