Socket FT4 socket: CPUs, chipsets and cooler fit
Socket FT4 is an AMD ball grid array package for entry mobile processors of the Stoney Ridge family. The package carries 769 balls in a 24.5 × 24.5 mm footprint and solders directly to the laptop mainboard. It succeeded the FT3 and FT3b packages of the Kabini and Beema families. The ball count and dimensions follow the package documentation with community corroboration, since AMD publishes no separate mechanical brief.
Quick facts
| Maker | AMD |
|---|---|
| Package type | BGA |
| Contacts | 769 |
| Package size | 24.5 × 24.5 mm |
| Introduced | 2016 |
| Status | Legacy |
| Memory | DDR4-2133, single channel |
| PCIe from the CPU | PCIe 3.0 with 8 lanes from the APU for wireless and storage |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
| Replaces | Socket FT3b |
| Replaced by | None |
Overview
The package serves 15 W entry laptops with one Excavator module giving two integer cores, plus Radeon R3 or R4 graphics for basic displays. Stoney Ridge shipped in both FT4 and the larger FP4 package depending on the SKU, with these SoC parts on FT4. Memory stays single channel DDR4-2133 to keep board cost down.
PCIe runs at version 3.0 with 8 lanes from the APU for wireless and storage. Because the chip is soldered, core count, graphics tier and memory size are fixed at purchase. Do not confuse this BGA package with Intel LGA 1151 desktop parts of similar era, which are socketed.
Processor generations
| Codename | Marketing name | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stoney Ridge | A4, A6 and E series SoCs | 2016 to 2018 | Entry mobile SoCs with one Excavator module, Radeon R3 or R4 graphics and DDR4-2133, launched in 2016 with SKUs such as the A4-9120 and A6-9220 on FT4. |
Who FT4 serves
FT4 processors belong in low cost 15 inch laptops where price beats speed: student machines, browsing laptops and office spares with basic cooling. The 15 W base with a 10 W down configuration lets makers tune the same silicon for quieter bodies.
Within Stoney Ridge the choice runs from dual core A4 parts with Radeon R3 graphics for basic use to A6 parts with Radeon R4 for slightly heavier multitasking. Buyers who edit video or compile code should step up to Bristol Ridge or Ryzen mobile parts with dual channel memory instead.
Memory and PCIe
Memory support covers DDR4-2133 in a single channel. One DIMM is the layout to buy, since a second stick adds capacity without dual channel speed. Most shipping laptops solder 4 GB for cost reasons, so the order time choice matters.
PCIe arrives as version 3.0 with 8 lanes from the APU for a Wi-Fi card and a SATA or NVMe drive. Laptop designs typically wire x2 or x4 to storage. There is no graphics slot on these boards, since play runs on the integrated Radeon.
Identifying and servicing FT4
Identification reads Socket FT4 in database entries and FT4 BGA in board schematics. That line separates FT4 from FP4 Stoney Ridge parts at 37 by 29 mm and from Intel BGA laptop parts. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains soldered package trade offs.
Service follows laptop practice rather than desktop practice. There is no retention bracket and no memory speed to tune. Board replacement is the only path when the processor fails. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows where to find the socket line in maker specifications.
CPUs on Socket FT4
15 processor pages in the database, newest first.
| Processor | Cores / threads | Base / boost | TDP | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD A4-9120C SoC | 2 / 2 | 1.6 / 2.4 GHz | 6 W | Jan 2019 |
| AMD A6-9220C SoC | 2 / 2 | 1.8 / 2.7 GHz | 6 W | Jan 2019 |
| AMD A6-9220e SoC | 2 / 2 | 1.6 / 2.4 GHz | 6 W | Jan 2019 |
| AMD A4-9120e SoC | 2 / 2 | 1.5 / 2.2 GHz | 6 W | Jan 2019 |
| AMD A6-9225 SoC | 2 / 2 | 2.6 / 3.0 GHz | 15 W | Jun 2018 |
| AMD A4-9120 SoC | 2 / 2 | 2.2 / 2.5 GHz | 15 W | Apr 2017 |
| AMD A4-9125 SoC | 2 / 2 | 2.3 / 2.6 GHz | 15 W | Apr 2017 |
| AMD A6-9220 SoC | 2 / 2 | 2.5 / 2.9 GHz | 15 W | Apr 2017 |
| AMD A6-9200 SoC | 2 / 2 | 2.0 / 2.8 GHz | 10 W | May 2016 |
| AMD A6-9230 SoC | 2 / 2 | 2.6 / 2.8 GHz | 25 W | May 2016 |
| AMD A9-9400 SoC | 2 / 2 | 2.4 / 3.2 GHz | 10 W | May 2016 |
| AMD A9-9420 SoC | 2 / 2 | 3.0 / 3.6 GHz | 15 W | May 2016 |
| AMD A9-9420e SoC | 2 / 2 | 1.8 / 2.7 GHz | 6 W | May 2016 |
| AMD A9-9425 SoC | 2 / 2 | 3.1 / 3.7 GHz | 15 W | May 2016 |
| AMD A9-9430 SoC | 2 / 2 | 3.1 / 3.7 GHz | 25 W | May 2016 |
Frequently asked questions
Can an FT4 processor be replaced or upgraded?
No. The processor is soldered to the board. Upgrading means replacing the board or the whole laptop, so choose memory size at order time.
What is the difference between FT4 and FP4?
FT4 at 24.5 × 24.5 mm with 769 balls serves 15 W Stoney Ridge SoCs with Excavator cores. FP4 at 37 × 29 mm with 968 balls serves larger Carrizo, Bristol Ridge and Stoney Ridge parts. Stoney Ridge shipped in both packages depending on the SKU.
Does FT4 use DDR4 or DDR3?
Boards use DDR4 SODIMM modules or soldered DDR4, depending on the design. Stoney Ridge SoCs run DDR4-2133 in a single channel. One channel keeps board cost down for entry laptops.
What PCIe does FT4 provide?
PCIe 3.0 with 8 lanes from the APU for Wi-Fi, storage and board devices. Exact slot wiring follows the laptop design, so check the maker specifications.
Sources and verification
- AMD A6-9225 SoC specs (TechPowerUp CPU database)
- Package FT4 (WikiChip)
- AMD A6-9220 SoC benchmarks and specs (Notebookcheck)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .