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AMD A6-3670K

AMD A6-3670K

AMD A6-3670K: A Retro Processor for Budget Tasks in 2025

Updated: April 2025

Key Features: Llano Architecture and Specifications

The AMD A6-3670K processor, released in 2011, is part of the Llano line — hybrid APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) that combine CPU and GPU on a single chip. Despite its age, it maintains niche popularity due to its unique features for its time.

- Process Technology and Cores: 32nm, 4 cores (4 threads) with a base frequency of 2.7 GHz and overclocking capability (unlocked multiplier).

- Graphics: Integrated GPU Radeon HD 6530D with 320 shader processors and a frequency of 443 MHz.

- TDP: 100W — a high figure even for 2025.

- Cache: L2 — 4MB (1MB per core).

Key Features:

- For the first time in the budget segment — 4 cores and integrated graphics at the level of entry-level discrete cards (e.g., Radeon HD 6570).

- Overclocking capability (the "K" index), which was rare among APUs of that time.

Practical Example: In 2012, the A6-3670K allowed for running Skyrim on low settings at 720p without a discrete graphics card. In 2025, it will suffice for watching videos in 1080p and browsing the web.

Compatible Motherboards: FM1 Socket and Chipsets

The A6-3670K uses the FM1 socket, supported by A75 and A55 chipsets.

- A75: The best choice due to support for USB 3.0, SATA III (6 Gbps), and PCIe 2.0. Examples of motherboards: ASUS F1A75-M PRO, Gigabyte GA-A75M-UD2H.

- A55: A budget option without USB 3.0 and SATA III. Suitable for office tasks (e.g., MSI A55M-P33).

2025 Features:

- New motherboards for FM1 are no longer being produced. Rare specimens in stores can cost between $80 and $150 (e.g., ASRock A75 Pro4), but they are typically sought on the secondary market.

- When choosing, check the condition of capacitors and BIOS support — some motherboards require updates for stable operation with the APU.

Supported Memory: DDR3 Only

The A6-3670K works with DDR3-1866 (officially up to DDR3-1600). For optimal performance:

- Use dual-channel mode (2×4 GB or 2×8 GB).

- Recommended timings: 9-9-9-24.

Limitations:

- Modern DDR4/DDR5 are incompatible.

- In 2025, DDR3 is more expensive than DDR4 due to reduced production. New 8 GB DDR3-1600 modules cost around $30-40.

Power Supply Recommendations

With a TDP of 100W and lacking support for modern energy-saving technologies, the A6-3670K requires careful power supply selection:

- Minimum: 400W (e.g., EVGA 400 N1, $35).

- With headroom for a discrete GPU: 500-550W (Corsair CX550, $60).

Tip: Even a budget power supply with an 80+ Bronze certification (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10) will reduce the risks of overheating and overload.

Pros and Cons of A6-3670K in 2025

Pros:

- Low price on the secondary market (used — $15-25).

- Integrated graphics for basic tasks.

- Ability to upgrade older systems.

Cons:

- High power consumption.

- No support for AVX, NVMe, USB 3.1.

- Weak for modern games and editors.

Real Example: Installing an SSD SATA III (e.g., Kingston A400) speeds up OS loading, but the processor itself becomes a "bottleneck" in video rendering.

Use Cases: What Else Is This APU Good For?

1. Office and Web Surfing: Working with documents, Zoom, YouTube 1080p (with 8GB RAM).

2. Retro Gaming: Half-Life 2, GTA IV (on low settings), PS2/GameCube emulators.

3. Home Media Center: Running Kodi or Plex (with H.264 hardware decoding).

Limitation: Even browser games like Fortnite or Roblox will lag due to weak GPU and CPU.

Comparison with Competitors from 2011-2013

- Intel Core i3-2120 (Sandy Bridge): Better IPC (performance per core), but only 2 cores/4 threads. Integrated graphics HD 2000 is weaker than Radeon HD 6530D.

- AMD Phenom II X4 965: Stronger in multi-threaded tasks, but requires a separate graphics card.

Conclusion: The A6-3670K wins on balance with price, 4 cores, and integrated graphics, but falls short in energy efficiency.

Tips for Building a PC with A6-3670K

1. Cooling: A cooler with a TDP dissipation of 100W (e.g., Deepcool Gammaxx 400, $20).

2. SSD is a must: A SATA III disk reduces CPU load during OS boot.

3. Check BIOS: Update to the latest version for stability.

4. Don't overpay: Avoid buying new DDR3 — look for used.

Example Build:

- Used motherboard: $30.

- 8 GB DDR3: $20.

- Used A6-3670K: $15.

- 500W PSU: $40.

- Total: ~$105 (excluding case and storage).

Final Conclusion: Who Is the A6-3670K Suitable For?

This processor is relevant for:

- Retro PC Enthusiasts: Building systems on old platforms for nostalgic purposes.

- Budget Offices: Replacing outdated PCs with Core 2 Duo.

- Backup Systems: Temporary solution in case of main computer failure.

Why not choose it in 2025: For modern tasks (gaming, editing, ML) it is weak. However, as a “digital typewriter” or media center, it can still serve a purpose.

Conclusion: The AMD A6-3670K is a relic that reminds us of technology's progress. It should only be considered in narrow scenarios where budget and compatibility take precedence over performance.

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Basic

Label Name
AMD
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
December 2011
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
A6-3670K
Code Name
Llano
Generation
A6 (Llano)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
4
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
4
Basic Frequency
2.7 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
N/A
L1 Cache
128 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
AMD Socket FM1
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
27.0x
Multiplier Unlocked
Yes
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
32 nm
TDP
100 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 2
Transistors
1,178 million

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR3
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
Radeon HD 6530D