AMD A10-6700
AMD A10-6700: A Comprehensive Review of an Obsolete APU in 2025
Relevant as of April 2025
Key Specifications: Architecture and Features
Richland Architecture and 32 nm Process Technology
The AMD A10-6700, released in 2013, belongs to the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) family, codenamed Richland. This hybrid solution combines 4 CPU cores based on the Piledriver architecture (descendant of Bulldozer) with integrated graphics Radeon HD 8670D. The process technology is 32 nm, which is considered archaic by 2025 (modern processors use 5–7 nm).
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 438 (Single-Core), 1038 (Multi-Core). For comparison, the budget Ryzen 3 7300U (2024) scores over 1200 in Single-Core.
- Base Clock: 3.7 GHz, Turbo Core — up to 4.3 GHz.
- TDP: 65 W — low power consumption for its time.
Key Features:
- Integrated graphics on par with discrete cards from 2012–2013 (e.g., GT 630).
- Support for AMD Dual Graphics technology (hybrid mode with discrete GPUs from the Radeon HD 6000/7000 series).
- AES-NI and virtualization (useful for light server tasks).
Compatible Motherboards
FM2 Socket and Chipsets
The A10-6700 uses the outdated FM2 socket, limiting the available motherboard selection. Compatible chipsets include:
- A55/A75/A85X — support PCIe 2.0, SATA III (A75/A85X), and overclocking (A85X).
Selection Considerations in 2025:
- New boards are not produced, but you can find leftover stock (e.g., ASUS A85XM-A — $45–60) or used options ($20–30).
- Limitations:
- No support for USB 3.1/Type-C, M.2 NVMe (only via adapters).
- Maximum 64 GB DDR3 (which is usually excessive for the tasks suited to this APU).
Tip: If building a system from scratch, look for boards with HDMI and USB 3.0 (e.g., Gigabyte GA-F2A85XM-HD3).
Supported Memory
DDR3 Only
The A10-6700 works with DDR3-1866 MHz (dual-channel mode). Attempts to install DDR4 or DDR5 are physically impossible due to slot differences.
Recommendations:
- Use 2 modules of 8 GB (totaling 16 GB) for a balance of price and performance.
- Timings of 9-9-9-24 or lower will enhance integrated graphics performance.
Example: Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3-1866 (16 GB) kit — $35–45 (new).
Power Supply Recommendations
Minimal Energy Cost
With a TDP of 65 W, the A10-6700 does not require a powerful PSU. However, consider other components:
- Integrated Graphics: +50–75 W under load.
- Discrete Graphics Card (e.g., Radeon RX 550): +75 W.
System Calculation:
- Without a discrete card: 300–400 W (e.g., EVGA 400 W1 — $35).
- With a graphics card: 450–500 W (Corsair CX450 — $55).
Important: Cheap PSUs with low efficiency may cause instability.
Pros and Cons of AMD A10-6700
Pros:
1. Energy Efficiency: 65 W TDP is suitable for compact PCs.
2. Integrated Graphics: HD 8670D handles HD video and older games (e.g., CS:GO on low settings — 40–50 FPS).
3. Low Cost: New APUs from leftover stock — $50–70.
Cons:
1. Outdated Architecture: Loses to even budget Intel Celerons from 2025 in Single-Core performance.
2. Limited Support: Does not support DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan.
3. DDR3: Slower than DDR4/DDR5 in memory-intensive tasks.
Use Cases
1. Office Tasks and Web Browsing
- Real-world Example: An office PC based on A10-6700 with 8 GB DDR3 and a 240 GB SSD easily handles Microsoft 365, browsers (5–10 tabs).
2. Multimedia
- 4K Video: Only through software decoding (CPU load at 80–90%).
- Streaming: YouTube 1080p@30fps is possible but comes with limitations.
3. Light Gaming
- Dota 2: 720p, low settings — 35–45 FPS.
- Minecraft (without shaders): 50–60 FPS.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Core i3-3220 (Ivy Bridge, 2012):
- Single-Core: 420 vs 438 (A10-6700).
- Integrated graphics HD 2500 is about 30% weaker.
- Price: $30–40 (used).
2. AMD Athlon 3000G (2019):
- Modern 14 nm APU with Vega 3.
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 850.
- Price: $70–80 (new).
Conclusion: The A10-6700 lags behind even budget models from the 2020s, but is cheaper.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. SSD is Essential: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25) will eliminate "lag" in everyday tasks.
2. Don’t Overpay for the Motherboard: A used option for $20–30 is optimal.
3. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replacing it with a Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T ($15) will reduce noise.
4. Upgrade: Consider this build as a temporary solution.
Final Conclusion: Who is the A10-6700 For in 2025?
This processor is suitable for:
- Budget Build Enthusiasts: Building a PC for parents or a child for $150–200.
- Retro Hardware Lovers: Testing old games and operating systems (Windows 7).
- Media Centers: Streaming movies in 1080p via Kodi.
Why You Shouldn't Choose It:
If you need to work with modern applications, gaming, or multitasking — even the Ryzen 3 3200G (priced at $90–100) will be 2–3 times faster.
Conclusion: The AMD A10-6700 in 2025 is a niche solution for very limited tasks. Its main advantages are price and minimal power consumption requirements. For all other scenarios, it is better to opt for a modern APU or a budget CPU + GPU combination.