Intel Core i3-6157U vs AMD A4-9120C
Intel Core i3-6157U
► remove from comparisonThe Intel Core i3-6157U is a dual-core SoC based on the Skylake architecture and has been launched in September 2015. The CPU can be found in medium-sized ultrabooks as well as normal notebooks. In addition to two CPU cores with Hyper-Threading clocked at 2.4 GHz (no Turbo Boost), the chip also integrates an Iris Graphics 550 GPU with 64 MB of eDRAM memory as well as a dual-channel DDR4-2133/DDR3L-1600 memory controller. The SoC is manufactured using a 14 nm process with FinFET transistors.
Architecture
Skylake replaces both Haswell and Broadwell and brings the same microarchitecture in every TDP class from 4.5 to 45 W. The extensive improvements of the Skylake design include increased out-of-order buffers, optimized prefetching and branch prediction as well as additional performance gains through Hyper-Threading. Overall, however, performance per clock has been increased by only 5 to 10 percent (compared to Haswell) respectively under 5 percent (compard to Broadwell), which is quite modest for a new architecture ("Tock").
Furthermore, the organisation of the eDRAM cache has been modified. Instead of acting like a victim cache, which has to be adressed via the L3/LLC, the eDRAM can now be adressed directly by programms just like the main memory. The size is still 128 MB for the quad-core models (4C + GT4e), while the dual-core chips (2C + GT3e) only offer 64 MB.
Performance
According to the specified clock rates and the improved architecture, the Core i3-6157U should perform similar to a Core i3-5157U (Broadwell, 15 W). Thus, the CPU has sufficient power for office and multimedia purposes as well as more demanding applications and multitasking.
Graphics
The integrated graphics unit called Iris Graphics 550 represents the "GT3e" version of the Skylake GPU (Intel Gen. 9). The 48 Execution Units, also called EUs, are clocked at 350 - 1000 MHz and offer (thanks to the fast eDRAM cache) a performance similar to a dedicated GeForce 930M. Games of 2015 can thus be played smoothly in low or medium settings. For more information about performance and features, check our page for the Iris Graphics 550.
Power Consumption
Specified at a TDP of 28 W (including CPU, GPU and memory controller), the CPU is best suited for medium-sized notebooks (13-inches and above). Optionally, the TDP can be lowered to 23 watts (cTDP down), reducing both heat dissipation and performance.
AMD A4-9120C
► remove from comparisonThe AMD A4-9120C is an entry-level chip from the Stoney-Ridge APU series for Chromebooks and entry level laptops (7th APU generation from 2016), which was announced early 2019. It is based on the similar named A4-9120 from 2016 but with a reduced TDP (6 versus 15 Watt) and reduced clock speeds of 1.6 - 2.4 GHz (compared to 2.2 - 2.5 GHz). Both CPUs integrate two CPU cores (one Excavator module with 2 integer and on FP unit).
It also includes a Radeon R4 GPU with 192 shaders at 600 MHz, as well as a single-channel DDR4-2133 memory controller, H.265 video engine and chipset with all I/O ports.
Architecture
Stoney Ridge is the successor of the Carrizo architecture and the design is almost identical. Thanks to optimized manufacturing processes and more aggressive Boost behavior, however, the clocks are a bit higher at the same power consumption. The memory controller now also supports DDR4-RAM, in this case up to 2133 MHz. Stoney Ridge is the designation for the smaller dual-core and single-core chip, while Bristol Ridge is the bigger quad-core chip with dual-channel memory controller. More technical details are available in the following articles:
Performance
Because of the significantly lower clock speed, the A4-9120C should be noticeably slower than the old A4-9120. AMD compares the A4-9120C with the Celeron N3350 in ChromeOS and sees a significant performance advantage for the A4. The efficiency however should be clearly worse as the A4-9120C is still manufactured in 28nm.
Power Consumption
AMD specifies the TDP of the A4-9120C with 6 Watts which should enable thin and light Chromebooks (even fanless).
Model | Intel Core i3-6157U | AMD A4-9120C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series | Intel Core i3 | AMD Bristol Ridge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Codename | Skylake | Stoney Ridge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series: Bristol Ridge Stoney Ridge |
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Clock | 2400 MHz | 1600 - 2400 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
L1 Cache | 128 KB | 160 KB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
L2 Cache | 512 KB | 1 MB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
L3 Cache | 3 MB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TDP | 28 Watt | 6 Watt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technology | 14 nm | 28 nm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
max. Temp. | 100 °C | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Socket | BGA | BGA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Features | Dual-Channel DDR3L-1600/DDR4-2133 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, AVX2, Quick Sync, Virtualization, AES-NI | Single-Channel DDR4-2133, Virtualization, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
iGPU | Intel Iris Graphics 550 (300 - 1000 MHz) | AMD Radeon R4 (Stoney Ridge) ( - 600 MHz) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Architecture | x86 | x86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$304 U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Announced | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manufacturer | ark.intel.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transistors | 1200 Million | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Die Size | 124.5 mm2 |