AMD A10-7870K
AMD A10-7870K in 2025: Is it Worth Considering an Outdated APU?
A Comprehensive Review of the Processor for Budget Enthusiasts
Key Features: Architecture and Specifications
The AMD A10-7870K processor, released in 2015, belongs to the line of Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) of the Godaveri series. Its key feature is the integration of Radeon R7 graphics directly into the die, which was a revolutionary solution for its time.
- Architecture: Based on the Steamroller microarchitecture (4th generation Bulldozer). Despite having 4 physical cores, the modular design of the cores (2 modules with 2 cores each) limits performance in multi-threaded tasks.
- Manufacturing Process: 28 nm—an outdated standard even by 2025. In comparison, modern AMD and Intel processors utilize 5–7 nm manufacturing processes, which ensure better energy consumption and heat dissipation.
- Performance: In the Geekbench 6 (2025) test, the A10-7870K shows modest results:
- Single-Core: 486 points (comparable to the Intel Pentium G4560 from 2017);
- Multi-Core: 1237 points (close to the AMD Athlon 3000G from 2019).
- Key Features:
- Integrated Radeon R7 graphics (512 stream processors, 866 MHz)—allows running lightweight games without a discrete graphics card;
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking;
- Support for Mantle and DirectX 12 technologies.
Practical Example: In 2024, a user built a PC on the A10-7870K for office tasks and retro game emulation. The APU handled the PlayStation 2 emulator (PCSX2) at medium settings but struggled with modern titles like Fortnite, producing only 20–25 FPS at low settings.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The A10-7870K uses the FM2+ socket, which is not compatible with modern AM4 or AM5 platforms.
- Chipsets:
- A88X: The best choice for overclocking (support for USB 3.0, SATA III, PCIe 3.0). Example board: ASUS A88X-Pro (price in 2025: $90–120, if you find a new one in stock).
- A78 and A68H: Budget options without overclocking support.
- Selection Tips:
- Look for boards with VRM heat sinks to enhance overclocking stability.
- Check for HDMI/DVI ports if using integrated graphics.
Tip: New motherboards under FM2+ are rarely produced. In 2025, you can only find them on the secondary market or in a few stores with remaining stock. Don’t overpay—prices above $100 are unwarranted.
Supported Memory: DDR3 and Its Limitations
The A10-7870K works exclusively with DDR3 (up to 2133 MHz in dual-channel mode).
- Recommendations:
- Use two memory modules (e.g., 2x8 GB) to enable dual-channel mode. This will boost integrated graphics performance by 15–20%.
- Timings: Ideally CL11-CL12 at clock speeds of 1866–2133 MHz.
- Limitations:
- DDR4/DDR5 is not supported—this is critical for modern games and applications that require high bandwidth.
Example: Installing DDR3-2133 instead of DDR3-1600 in a system with the A10-7870K increased FPS in CS:GO from 45 to 55 frames (resolution 720p, low settings).
Power Supply: Power Calculation
With a TDP of 95 W and no discrete graphics card, a 400–450 W power supply is sufficient for the system.
- Recommendations:
- For builds with a GPU like the GTX 1650, choose a PSU rated at 500 W (e.g., Corsair CX550).
- Considering the age of the processor: older APUs may consume more power when overclocked.
- Important: Cheap power supplies without an 80 Plus Bronze certification may cause instability.
Tip: If using integrated graphics, even a budget Be Quiet! System Power 400W ($45) will handle the load.
Pros and Cons of the A10-7870K in 2025
Pros:
- Low cost: New processors (if found) are priced at $50–70.
- Integrated graphics for basic tasks.
- Support for overclocking.
Cons:
- Outdated platform (DDR3, FM2+).
- High power consumption (28 nm vs. 5–7 nm competitors).
- Weak performance in multitasking.
Real Case: A user attempted to build a budget gaming PC on the A10-7870K, adding a RX 6400 graphics card. Result: the processor became a bottleneck in games like Cyberpunk 2077 (CPU load 100%, FPS no higher than 30).
Use Cases: Where the APU is Still Relevant
1. Office Tasks: Document work, web browsing, video conferencing.
2. Multimedia: Watching 4K videos (with hardware decoding support), streaming.
3. Light Gaming: Dota 2, Minecraft, League of Legends (720p, low settings).
4. HTPC: Media center for connection to a TV.
Example: A10-7870K + 16 GB DDR3 + 256 GB SSD—an excellent foundation for a home theater running Kodi and streaming services.
Comparison with Competitors
- AMD Athlon 3000G (2019):
- 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 graphics.
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 580 (+20% over the A10-7870K).
- Price: $60 (new). Conclusion: Better for basic tasks.
- Intel Core i3-10100 (2020):
- 4 cores/8 threads, UHD Graphics 630.
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 1100.
- Price: $120. Conclusion: Significantly better performance.
- Ryzen 3 3200G (2019):
- 4 cores/4 threads, Vega 8 graphics.
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 750.
- Price: $90. Conclusion: Best choice for budget gaming.
Build Tips
1. Don’t Skimp on SSD: Even a SATA SSD (e.g., Kingston A400) will speed up system performance.
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is inadequate for overclocking. Choose a tower cooler like the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 ($25).
3. Motherboard: Don’t buy boards costing more than $70— the platform is morally outdated.
4. Secondary Market: Look for components on eBay or local flea markets.
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the A10-7870K?
This processor should only be considered in three cases:
1. Upgrading an Old PC: If you already have an FM2+ motherboard and DDR3 memory.
2. Ultra-Budget Build: When you need an internet and office PC for minimal cost.
3. Retro Hardware Enthusiasts: For experiments with overclocking or collection purposes.
In 2025, the A10-7870K is a relic that falls short even against budget modern APUs. However, for niche tasks, it can still find application if not expected to perform the impossible.