AMD A8-3520M
AMD A8-3520M: Review and Relevance in 2025
Architecture, Performance, and Use Cases for Budget Laptops
Architecture and Technical Features
Llano Foundation: Hybrid CPU and iGPU
The AMD A8-3520M processor, released in 2011, belongs to the Llano generation and is built on a 32nm process. It is one of AMD's first hybrid chips, combining four CPU cores with integrated Radeon HD 6620G graphics.
- CPU: 4 cores/4 threads (without SMT/Hyper-Threading support), base clock speed of 1.6 GHz, maximum Turbo Core speed of 2.5 GHz.
- iGPU: The Radeon HD 6620G graphics contain 400 stream processors and operates at a frequency of 444 MHz. It supports DirectX 11 and resolutions up to 1080p.
The CPU architecture is based on the Husky microarchitecture (an evolution of K10), which lags behind modern Zen in IPC (instructions per clock). However, at its time, Llano offered a rare combination of multithreading and integrated graphics.
Power Consumption and TDP
35 Watts: The Balance Between Power and Portability
A TDP of 35 watts allows the A8-3520M to be installed in mid-range laptops with screen sizes of 15 to 17 inches. For comparison, modern mobile AMD Ryzen 5 7530U processors (Zen 3, 15W) consume half the energy while offering similar CPU performance.
Power-saving Technologies:
- AMD PowerNow!: Dynamic frequency and voltage scaling.
- CoolCore: Deactivation of unused CPU blocks.
In 2025, these figures seem archaic, but the chip remains functional for office tasks and basic web surfing.
Performance in Real-World Tasks
Geekbench 6: 257 (Single-Core) / 667 (Multi-Core)
Benchmark results show that the A8-3520M significantly lags behind modern budget processors. For example, the Intel Core i3-N305 (2023) scores around 1800 points in Single-Core, while the Ryzen 3 7320U reaches approximately 2300.
Use Cases:
1. Office Work: Handling documents, spreadsheets, video calls is manageable, though apps like Zoom may require settings optimization.
2. Multimedia: Watching HD videos, streaming services (YouTube, Netflix) operates without lag.
3. Gaming: Games from 2010-2013 can be run on low settings (for instance, Dota 2 at 25–30 FPS, CS:GO at 30–35 FPS). Modern titles like Fortnite or Apex Legends are not playable.
Turbo Core: Under load on 1–2 cores, the frequency increases to 2.5 GHz, which improves system responsiveness. However, under multi-threaded tasks, the chip drops back to its base speed of 1.6 GHz.
Who is A8-3520M Suitable for in 2025?
Budget and Secondary Devices
- Students: For text documents, presentations, and online courses.
- Older Users: Social media, email, and video.
- Retro Gamers: Running classic games through emulators (PS2, GameCube).
Not Suitable for:
- Modern gaming and 3D modeling.
- Software with AI acceleration (Photoshop Neural Filters, Blender Cycles).
- Multitasking with 10+ browser tabs.
Battery Life: Realities of 2025
Laptops with the A8-3520M typically came equipped with 40–50 Wh batteries. Under moderate load (50% brightness, Wi-Fi), the runtime was around 3–4 hours. Today, similar devices with the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U and a 50 Wh battery can last 8–10 hours.
Advice: If purchasing a used laptop with this processor, replace the battery (a new one costs $30–50).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD vs Intel: 2011–2025
- Intel Core i5-2450M (Sandy Bridge, 2011): Offers better single-thread performance (+30% in Geekbench 6) but weaker graphics (Intel HD 3000).
- Apple M1 (2020): 5–7 times faster in Multi-Core, 10 times more energy-efficient.
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (2023): 4 cores/8 threads, TDP 15 W, iGPU Radeon 610M (3x more powerful than HD 6620G).
Conclusion: The A8-3520M remains relevant only as an ultra-budget option (laptops under $200).
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Low cost of devices.
- Support for 4 cores for basic multitasking.
- Graphics performance on par with discrete solutions from 2010 (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce 310M).
Weaknesses:
- Low IPC and clock speeds.
- High power consumption.
- Lack of support for modern standards (USB 3.2, Wi-Fi 6).
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
What to Look for in 2025?
1. Type of Device:
- Budget Laptop: Only for A8-3520M. Check for SSD (minimum 256 GB) and 8 GB RAM.
- Ultrabook: Don’t consider—outdated hardware doesn’t meet the format.
- Gaming Laptop: Pointless—even Intel UHD Graphics of the 11th generation are more powerful.
2. Tips:
- Avoid new laptops with A8-3520M—this is either old stock or counterfeit.
- When buying used, check the condition of the battery and cooling system.
Final Conclusion
The AMD A8-3520M in 2025 is a choice for those with a strict minimum budget ($100–200) and who do not require modern application performance.
Key Benefits:
- The ability to buy a laptop for basic tasks cheaper than a smartphone.
- Compatibility with lightweight operating systems (Linux Lite, Windows 10 LTSC).
Alternatives:
- New devices with Intel N100 ($250–300) or AMD Athlon Silver 7120U ($300–350) are twice as expensive but 4–5 times more powerful.
If you are not ready to cope with browser lag and software limitations—invest in modern platforms. However, for "digital minimalism," the A8-3520M can still serve a purpose.