AMD A9-9820 socket: BGA 1443
The AMD A9-9820 uses BGA 1443, a soldered embedded package. The 8-core Cato APU at up to 2.35 GHz cannot be replaced.
AMD A9-9820 specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Jaguar cores on 28 nm |
| Clocks | Up to 2.35 GHz |
| Manufacturing process | 28 nm |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 135 W |
| Memory support | DDR3-800 to DDR3-2133, single and dual channel, up to 16 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x4 board link (UMI) |
| Integrated graphics | AMD Radeon RX 350 (200 MHz base, up to 985 MHz, 14 compute units) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| ECC memory | Not supported |
| Package | BGA1443 (1,443-ball, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
AMD A9-9820 needs a motherboard with a BGA 1443 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1443 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1443 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,443 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | April 2019 |
| Memory | DDR3-800 to DDR3-2133, single and dual channel, up to 16 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the A9-9820 is
The A9-9820 is an 8-core, 8-thread embedded APU from the Cato family. It launched in April 2019 for embedded boards with Jaguar cores at up to 2.35 GHz and Radeon RX 350 graphics. There is no multithreading, so each core handles one thread.
The design pairs eight slow cores with 14 graphics compute units at up to 985 MHz for multi display video walls. The 135 W envelope covers CPU plus graphics plus board link on a 363 square mm die. DDR3 memory keeps board costs low against DDR4 embedded alternatives.
Cato boards appear in arcade cabinets, signage players and kiosk PCs that run fixed software for years. Mature drivers and Bolton era chipsets matter more than new codecs here. Buyers who need H.265 encode or fast single threads choose Ryzen Embedded instead.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The A9-9820 solders to BGA 1443 on embedded carrier boards. Boards arrive with the APU fitted plus firmware for the exact display and memory wiring. There is no retail socket or board interchange.
A58, A68H, A77E and A78 class companion logic cover SATA, USB and networking behind the APU. Display outputs are board HDMI and DisplayPort wired to the integrated graphics. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows where board specs list the soldered package.
AM4 PGA boards cannot host the chip. Package, memory type and firmware are embedded only.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR3 from 800 to 2133 MT/s in single channel up to 8.5 GB per sec and dual channel up to 17 GB per sec is the board memory, with a 16 GB ceiling. Dual channel pairs help the graphics cores most. ECC is not supported.
The board link is a PCIe 2.0 x4 UMI connection to the companion chip for storage and I/O. Graphics lanes are board wired to display outputs rather than slots. Storage is board SATA plus M.2 where fitted.
Cooling follows the board 135 W heatsink with cabinet airflow. Sealed signage bodies need vent paths for continuous load. Service is board swap through the embedded vendor.
Upgrade paths
No processor upgrade exists on soldered embedded. Memory to the board maximum and SSD swaps extend service. Firmware from the vendor carries display fixes.
A platform change to Ryzen Embedded V series boards brings DDR4, modern codecs and lower power. For Cato fleets, spare boards matter more than faster chips.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD A9-9820 use?
It uses BGA 1443 soldered to embedded boards.
How many cores does the A9-9820 have?
Eight cores with eight threads at up to 2.35 GHz.
What graphics are in the A9-9820?
AMD Radeon RX 350 with 14 compute units up to 985 MHz.
What memory does the A9-9820 take?
DDR3 to 2133 MT/s in single or dual channel mode up to 16 GB.
When did the A9-9820 launch?
April 2019 for embedded Cato boards.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .