AMD A4-4355M

The AMD A4-4355M is a mobile processor from the Trinity generation, built on the Piledriver architecture and manufactured on a 32 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It features 2 cores and 2 threads, with a base clock of 1900.00 MHz and a boost clock of 2.40 GHz, and integrates a Radeon HD 7400G graphics unit. This part targets the low-power mobile segment, with a 17 W TDP, and is now end-of-life, having launched in late 2012. The data below analyzes its benchmark position, architectural behavior, platform fit, and thermal requirements, based strictly on the available specifications.

Benchmark Performance

The AMD A4-4355M holds a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs tracked in the database, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack. Its average benchmark score is recorded as 0, which means no direct performance samples are available for this part in the current dataset. Consequently, all performance analysis must be inferred from its architectural characteristics and clock speeds rather than from empirical test results.

Given its 2-core, 2-thread configuration, the A4-4355M operates with a base clock of 1900.00 MHz and a boost clock of 2.40 GHz. The boost clock represents a 26% increase over the base frequency, which is typical for a Piledriver-era mobile chip. Without direct rival scores or deltaPct values in the nearestRivals field, we cannot quantify its standing against specific competitors. However, the 50th percentile suggests that, in aggregate database measurements, this processor performs at the median level of all CPUs—meaning half of all tracked parts are faster and half are slower.

The absence of benchmark entries means that the 50th percentile is likely derived from historical data or estimated performance rather than current measurements. For a dual-core mobile chip from 2012, this positioning is plausible: it would be outclassed by modern quad-core and higher parts but would outperform older single-core or low-clocked dual-core processors. The 1 MB shared L2 cache and 96 KB L1 cache are modest by modern standards, yet they were adequate for the intended workload profile of thin-and-light laptops at the time.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The A4-4355M has 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning it cannot use simultaneous multithreading (SMT) or Hyper-Threading. This limits its multi-threaded throughput to exactly two concurrent threads. In single-threaded tasks, the boost clock of 2.40 GHz provides the peak performance, while multi-threaded workloads will rely on the same per-core frequency, as Piledriver does not dynamically lower clocks when both cores are active in a way that differs from the base clock.

The base clock of 1900.00 MHz is relatively low, so sustained multi-threaded workloads will run at that frequency unless thermal headroom allows for higher boost states. The 26% gap between base and boost means that lightly threaded applications—such as web browsing, office productivity, or legacy single-threaded software—will see a noticeable speedup when the processor boosts to 2.40 GHz. Conversely, fully threaded workloads that stress both cores may cause the processor to settle closer to the base clock, reducing performance consistency.

Real-world implications: this chip is better suited to bursty, single-threaded tasks than to sustained multi-threaded rendering or compilation. The lack of L3 cache (null in the data) further pressures memory latency, as the processor must rely on the 1 MB L2 and the dual-channel DDR3 memory interface. For workloads that are cache-sensitive, the 21.3 GB/s memory bandwidth is the sole high-speed data path, which is adequate for its era but not competitive with later generations.

Platform and Compatibility

The A4-4355M uses the AMD Socket FP2, which is a ball-grid array (BGA) socket designed for soldered mobile processors. This means it is not upgradeable in the traditional sense; the CPU is permanently attached to the motherboard. The platform supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a theoretical memory bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, which aligns with its consumer mobile positioning.

PCIe support is Gen 2, which provides sufficient bandwidth for the integrated Radeon HD 7400G graphics and any discrete GPUs that might have been paired with it in original designs. The integrated graphics controller shares system memory for frame buffering, so the dual-channel DDR3 setup is critical for graphical performance. The processor is built on a 32 nm process with 1,303 million transistors on a 246 mm² die, indicating a relatively large die for its core count due to the integrated GPU and memory controller.

Upgrade paths are nonexistent for end users because of the BGA socket. However, for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the FP2 socket was part of a broader Trinity mobile lineup, allowing system designers to offer different CPU tiers on the same motherboard platform. The production status is end-of-life, so no new motherboards or systems are being manufactured with this part. Compatibility is limited to legacy laptops from the 2012-2014 era that specifically used the FP2 socket.

How It Compares

Since the nearestRivals array is empty in the FACT PACK, there are no direct rival comparisons with scores or deltaPct values to analyze. The 50th percentile provides a general reference point: this processor sits at the median of all CPUs in the database. Without specific rival names, we cannot state precise performance deltas.

However, we can reason about its position based on architectural facts. Compared to a hypothetical modern dual-core with higher clocks and a newer process node, the A4-4355M would likely lag due to its 1900.00 MHz base clock and lack of SMT. Compared to older single-core processors, its dual-core design and 2.40 GHz boost would give it a clear advantage in multi-threaded tasks. The absence of L3 cache is a notable differentiator, as many competing parts from the same era included larger caches.

Given the empty nearestRivals field, the most honest statement is that the A4-4355M offers mid-pack performance as indicated by its 50th percentile, but no specific rival comparisons can be drawn from the data. Any claims about beating or losing to a particular chip would require external knowledge, which is not permitted here. The processor's value lies in its low 17 W TDP and integrated graphics, not in raw compute performance.

Power and Thermals

The A4-4355M has a TDP of 17 W, which classifies it as an ultra-low-power mobile processor. This TDP level is typical for thin-and-light laptops, ultrabooks, and fanless or passively cooled designs. A 17 W TDP means that a modest cooling solution—such as a small heatsink with a low-speed fan or even a passive heatpipe design—can handle the thermal output under sustained load.

For cooling, this implies that a standard laptop cooling module with a single heatpipe and a 25-30 mm fan would be more than sufficient. The 32 nm process helps keep power density manageable, and the lack of a discrete GPU means the CPU is the primary heat source. Boost to 2.40 GHz will increase power draw temporarily, but the 17 W envelope ensures that thermal throttling should be minimal in well-designed chassis.

The integrated Radeon HD 7400G shares the same thermal budget as the CPU, meaning that gaming or GPU-intensive tasks will consume part of the 17 W. This is a common trade-off in APUs of this generation. For battery life, the low TDP is beneficial, but performance under sustained load will be limited by the thermal and power constraints. No specific wattage figures for boost states are provided, so we cannot quantify peak power draw beyond the TDP class.

FAQ

Q: What is the socket type for the AMD A4-4355M?

A: The processor uses the AMD Socket FP2, which is a BGA socket designed for soldered mobile installations.

Q: Does this processor support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The A4-4355M is designed for consumer mobile platforms with standard DDR3 memory.

Q: How much L2 cache does the A4-4355M have?

A: It has 1 MB of shared L2 cache. There is no L3 cache present, according to the data.

Q: What is the integrated graphics model in this processor?

A: The integrated graphics are provided by the Radeon HD 7400G, which shares the 17 W TDP with the CPU cores.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the A4-4355M?

A: The dual-channel DDR3 memory interface provides a theoretical bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked. The processor does not support user-overclocking via multiplier adjustment.

Q: What process node is the A4-4355M built on?

A: It is manufactured on a 32 nm process at GlobalFoundries, with 1,303 million transistors on a 246 mm² die.