AMD A10-5745M
AMD A10-5745M: a budget processor for everyday tasks. Is it still relevant in 2025?
The AMD A10-5745M processor, released in 2013, is still found in used laptops and some budget models. But is it worth considering in 2025? Let's explore who this chip is suitable for, its strengths, and limitations.
Architecture and manufacturing process: a legacy of the 32 nm era
Codename and structure
The A10-5745M belongs to the Richland generation, which was the last stage in the development of AMD's Piledriver architecture. This is a modular architecture where two cores are combined into a module with a shared L2 cache. The processor has 4 cores and 4 threads (without SMT/Hyper-Threading support). Its base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with a turbo boost up to 2.9 GHz. For tasks requiring a temporary speed boost, the chip can overclock briefly, but due to its limited TDP (25 W), this happens infrequently.
Integrated graphics: Radeon HD 8610G
The HD 8610G graphics core is built on the GCN 1.0 architecture and includes 384 shader processors running at 533 MHz. Compared to modern iGPUs (e.g., AMD Radeon 780M or Intel Iris Xe), it is a weak solution, but in 2013, it surpassed Intel HD Graphics 4000. It supports DirectX 11 and resolutions up to 4K, but is only viable for gaming at low settings.
32 nm manufacturing process: outdated foundation
The 32 nm manufacturing process is the main drawback of this processor. Modern chips (even budget ones) use 7–10 nm technology, providing better power efficiency and performance. In 2025, 32 nm will seem archaic, but at the time it allowed AMD to compete with Intel in the budget segment.
Power consumption and TDP: a balance between performance and autonomy
The TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the A10-5745M is 25 W. This is a typical figure for mobile processors of that era, but today even gaming chips (e.g., AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS with a TDP of 35–54 W) demonstrate much higher efficiency.
What does this mean for the user?
- Laptops with the A10-5745M typically use compact cooling systems, which can become noisy under load.
- Batteries with a capacity of 40–50 Wh provide 4–6 hours of web surfing (below average in 2025).
Performance: modest results even for office tasks
Geekbench 6 tests (2025):
- Single-core: 273 points.
- Multi-core: 603 points.
For comparison, a modern budget Intel Core i3-1315U (15 W) scores around 1800 (single-core) and 4500 (multi-core). The gap is enormous, but for basic tasks, the A10-5745M is still usable.
Real-world scenarios:
- Office work: Word, Excel, or a browser with 5–10 tabs will work, but there may be slowdowns when loading heavy PDFs or online presentations.
- Multimedia: Watching videos in 1080p/4K (with hardware decoding), simple editing in Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve—only for short clips.
- Gaming: 2010s games at low settings, such as CS:GO (30–40 FPS) or Dota 2 (25–30 FPS). Modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring are not playable.
Turbo Core: a brief boost
Turbo Core technology increases the frequency to 2.9 GHz but only for 1–2 cores. In reality, the gain is noticeable primarily in single-threaded tasks, like opening applications. Under prolonged load (rendering, gaming), the chip quickly overheats and lowers its frequency.
Usage scenarios: who is the A10-5745M suitable for in 2025?
- Students: For text work, online courses, and Zoom (without background effects).
- Seniors: Browsing websites, email, messaging.
- Backup laptop: As a secondary device for travel or working in cafes.
Not recommended for:
- Gamers (except for retro games).
- Designers, video editors, programmers.
- Users working with "heavy" applications (Photoshop, Blender, etc.).
Battery life: modest but manageable
With a TDP of 25 W and a battery capacity of 45 Wh, the runtime is:
- 5–6 hours: Web browsing, office tasks (brightness at 50%, Wi-Fi on).
- 2–3 hours: Watching videos on VLC or YouTube.
Power-saving technologies:
- AMD PowerNow!: Dynamically adjusts frequency and voltage.
- Cool'n'Quiet: Disables unused cores.
However, modern processors (e.g., AMD Ryzen 3 7330U) at a TDP of 15 W offer double the battery life with similar performance.
Comparison with competitors: positions in 2025
AMD:
- Ryzen 3 7330U (Zen 3, 7 nm, 4 cores/8 threads, Radeon Graphics): 2–3 times faster in multi-threaded tasks, TDP of 15 W. Laptop prices: from $450.
- Athlon Silver 7120U (Zen 2, 6 nm, 2 cores/2 threads): Weaker in multitasking but more energy-efficient.
Intel:
- Core i3-1315U (10 nm, 6 cores/8 threads, Iris Xe): Single-thread performance is 5-6 times higher. Price: from $500.
Apple:
- Apple M1 (5 nm, 8 cores): Dominates in performance and battery life. Used MacBook Air M1 can be found for $600, new ones starting at $900.
Conclusion: The A10-5745M lags behind even budget modern chips, but may be justified if a laptop with it is sold for $200–300.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Low price of devices (new models start at $250).
- Support for 4K video via HDMI.
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
Cons:
- Outdated architecture and manufacturing process.
- Poor single-thread performance.
- High power consumption for its capabilities.
Recommendations for choosing a laptop
Device type:
- Budget laptop: For example, HP 255 G8 or Lenovo Ideapad 1.
- Multimedia laptop: With a 15.6-inch screen and HDMI for TV connection.
What to look for:
1. RAM: At least 8 GB (for iGPU operations).
2. Storage: Only SSD (256 GB or more).
3. Screen: IPS panel with a resolution of 1920×1080.
4. Ports: USB 3.0, HDMI, card reader.
Prices in 2025:
- New laptops with A10-5745M: $250–400.
- Alternatives with Ryzen 3 7330U: from $450.
Final conclusion: who is the A10-5745M suitable for?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are looking for the cheapest new laptop.
- Do not plan to run modern applications.
- Are willing to cope with limited battery life.
Key benefits:
- Minimal price.
- Support for basic tasks and older gaming content.
- Ease of upgrading (replacing HDD with SSD, adding RAM).
If your budget allows for spending an additional $200–300, it is better to choose a laptop with Ryzen 3 or Core i3—they will last longer and not disappoint in performance.