AMD PRO A12-8870E
AMD PRO A12-8870E: Budget Processor for Office and Multimedia in 2025
Overview of Architecture, Compatibility, and Use Cases
Key Specifications: Carrizo on 28nm
The AMD PRO A12-8870E processor, released in 2016, is still found in budget builds due to its low power consumption and integrated graphics. Its Carrizo architecture is based on the Excavator microarchitecture, optimized for mobile solutions and compact PCs.
The 28nm manufacturing process is a key factor limiting performance in 2025. In comparison, modern Intel and AMD processors use 5-7nm technology. However, for basic tasks, this "old" technology is still relevant.
Performance:
- 4 cores / 4 threads (no SMT/Hyper-Threading support);
- Base frequency 3.7 GHz, turbo mode up to 4.2 GHz;
- Geekbench 6: 641 (single-core), 1392 (multi-core).
These figures are comparable to the Intel Core i3-6100 but lag behind even budget Ryzen 3 processors from the 2020s.
Key Features:
- Integrated Radeon R7 graphics with 8 GPU cores (512 stream processors);
- Support for AMD Secure Processor technologies for data encryption;
- TDP of just 35W — ideal for compact cases.
Compatible Motherboards: FM2+ Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the outdated FM2+ socket, which severely limits the choice of motherboards in 2025. Compatible chipsets include A88X, A78, and A68H.
Examples:
- ASUS A88XM-Plus (price: $60-80, new stock);
- Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H ($55-70);
- MSI A68HM Grenade ($45-60).
Choosing Features:
- Lack of support for USB 3.1 Gen2 and NVMe (only SATA III);
- Limited upgrade options: there are no modern processors for FM2+;
- BIOS update is mandatory for compatibility with Windows 11/12.
Supported Memory: Only DDR3
Contrary to expectations, the processor does not support DDR4/DDR5. The maximum is DDR3-2133 MHz in dual-channel mode.
Recommendations:
- Use 2 modules of 8 GB (totaling 16 GB) to increase bandwidth;
- Avoid memory with a frequency lower than 1866 MHz — it will reduce the performance of the iGPU.
Example: a Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3-1866 kit (16 GB) will cost around $40-50.
Power Supply Units: Minimum Requirements
With a TDP of 35W, the processor does not require a powerful PSU. However, the total power depends on the other components:
- Without a discrete graphics card: a PSU of 250-300W is sufficient (e.g., Be Quiet! SFX Power 3, $45);
- With a GTX 1650-level GPU: choose a PSU of 400-450W (Corsair CX450, $55).
Tip: Don't skimp on the PSU. Even for the A12-8870E, it's better to opt for a model with an 80+ Bronze certification.
Pros and Cons of the AMD PRO A12-8870E
Pros:
- Low power consumption and heat generation;
- Integrated graphics for undemanding gaming (e.g., CS:GO on low settings);
- Support for virtualization and data encryption.
Cons:
- Outdated platform (FM2+);
- No support for DDR4/PCIe 4.0;
- Weak upgrade potential.
Use Cases: Where the Processor is Relevant in 2025
1. Office PCs: Working with documents, browsers, Zoom.
2. Home Theaters: 4K video (via HDMI 1.4a), streaming.
3. Casual Gaming: Dota 2, Minecraft, indie projects (30-45 FPS on medium settings).
4. Retail Terminals: thanks to AMD Secure Processor.
User Experience:
- A PC owner with the A12-8870E notes that the processor handles Adobe Photoshop CC 2024 (for basic editing) but "lags" when working with 4K video in Premiere Pro.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Core i3-10100T (4/8, TDP 35W):
- Geekbench 6: 1100 (Single), 3800 (Multi);
- Price: $120.
Summary: The i3-10100T is twice as powerful but more expensive.
2. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (4/4, Vega 8):
- Geekbench 6: 950 / 2800;
- Price: $90 (new stock).
Summary: The Ryzen 3 outperforms in performance and supports DDR4.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Case: Choose models with good ventilation (e.g., Fractal Design Core 1100).
2. Storage: Always use an SSD (Kingston A400 480GB, $35) — an HDD will "choke" even this CPU.
3. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, choose an Arctic Alpine 23 ($15).
4. Networking Solutions: Add a Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., TP-Link Archer T4E, $25), as FM2+ boards do not have a built-in module.
Final Conclusion: Who is the A12-8870E Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are building a PC for office use or surfing for under $200;
- Need an energy-efficient system (e.g., for 24/7 operation);
- Do not plan an upgrade in the next 2-3 years.
Why not Ryzen or Intel?
With a budget of less than $100 for CPU + motherboard, the A12-8870E remains one of the few options with guaranteed new components. However, if you are willing to buy used — the Ryzen 3 2200G ($50-70) will be a better choice.
Price of AMD PRO A12-8870E in 2025: $50-70 (new units in stock). Motherboards — starting at $45. The total cost of a basic build: $200-250.