AMD A10-6700T
AMD A10-6700T: A Comprehensive Review of an Outdated, Yet Relevant APU for Budget Systems (2025)
Introduction
The AMD A10-6700T processor, released in 2013, now appears as a relic from the APU era. However, even after 12 years, it retains niche relevance due to its low power consumption and integrated graphics. In this review, we will explore who might find this chip useful in 2025 and how to build a functional system around it.
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Key Features
Richland Architecture and 32nm Process
The A10-6700T belongs to the Richland generation, built on a 32nm process. This is an evolution of the previous Trinity architecture, offering improved energy efficiency and clock speeds. The chip features 4 Piledriver cores (modular architecture with shared resources), operating at a base frequency of 2.5 GHz with Turbo up to 3.5 GHz. However, in real-world tasks, Turbo Core rarely activates due to the 45W TDP.
Integrated Graphics: Radeon HD 8650D
The main "feature" of this APU is the Radeon HD 8650D graphics core with 384 stream processors and a clock speed of 720 MHz. This solution is based on the GCN 1.0 architecture and supports DirectX 11.1. For 2025, this level of graphics is archaic, but it is sufficient for basic tasks.
Performance in 2025
- Geekbench 6: 289 (Single-Core), 629 (Multi-Core). For comparison, a modern budget Intel Core i3-13100 scores around ~1800/5500.
- Cinebench R23: ~250 (Single), ~650 (Multi).
- In gaming: CS:GO — 30-40 FPS (720p, low settings), Dota 2 — 25-35 FPS (720p).
Key Features:
- Low TDP (45W) — suitable for compact PCs.
- Integrated graphics without the need for a discrete graphics card.
- Support for Dual Graphics (hybrid operation with discrete AMD Radeon HD 6670/7670).
2. Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
FM2 Socket: Limited Choices in 2025
The processor uses the Socket FM2, meaning compatibility only with motherboards that have the following chipsets:
- A55 (basic, without USB 3.0 and SATA III).
- A75 (USB 3.0, SATA III).
- A85X (expanded features: more SATA/USB ports, RAID support).
Examples of Motherboards:
- ASUS A85XM-A (A85X) — the best choice for overclocking.
- Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-DS2 (A55) — a budget option.
Selection Features:
- New motherboards are no longer produced. In 2025, they can only be found on the secondary market (price $20-$40).
- For A10-6700T, a motherboard with a 4+1 phase VRM is sufficient.
- Check BIOS support: some motherboards require firmware updates for Richland.
3. Supported Memory: DDR3 and Its Limitations
The A10-6700T works with only DDR3 (up to 2133 MHz in dual-channel mode).
- Recommended Capacity: 8-16 GB (2x4 GB or 2x8 GB).
- Latency: Optimally CL9-CL11.
Issues in 2025:
- DDR3 is outdated: new modules are no longer produced, with used prices around $15-$30 for 8 GB.
- No support for DDR4/DDR5: this limits performance in bandwidth-sensitive tasks (e.g., rendering).
Advice: Use a dual-channel configuration for maximum iGPU performance.
4. Power Supply: Power Calculation
With a TDP of 45W and without a discrete graphics card, the system will suffice with a 300-400W power supply. Examples include:
- Be Quiet! System Power 10 350W ($45) — quiet and reliable.
- Corsair CV450 ($50) — with room for upgrades.
If a graphics card is added:
- For Radeon RX 6400 (75W) — 450W.
- For GTX 1650 — 500W.
Important: Cheap PSUs (<$30) may operate unstably due to aging capacitors in the motherboard.
5. Pros and Cons of the AMD A10-6700T
Pros:
- Low power consumption: suitable for HTPC or office PCs.
- Integrated graphics: saves on a graphics card.
- Price: used processors cost $15-$25.
Cons:
- Outdated architecture: weak performance in 2025.
- Lack of support for modern standards: PCIe 3.0, USB 3.1, NVMe (only via adapters).
- Limited upgrade potential: maximum for FM2 — Athlon X4 860K.
6. Use Cases: Where the A10-6700T is Still Relevant
Office Tasks and Web Browsing
- Document work, Zoom conferences, browser with 5-10 tabs.
- Tip: Install an SSD (for example, Kingston A400 240GB, $25) for system acceleration.
Multimedia
- Playback of 1080p video (YouTube, Netflix).
- Connection to TV via HDMI (HTPC build).
Casual Gaming
- Indie games (Stardew Valley, Terraria) and older titles (Half-Life 2, Skyrim on low settings).
Not suitable for:
- 4K video editing.
- Modern games (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield).
- Virtualization and Docker.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD A10-6700T vs Intel Core i3-4130 (2013)
- CPU Performance: i3 wins in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single-Core ~350).
- Graphics: HD 4400 vs HD 8650D — AMD is better by 30-40%.
- Price: used i3-4130 — $20, similar to A10.
Modern Alternatives (2025)
- AMD Ryzen 3 7300U (laptop APU): 3 times faster in multi-threading, supports DDR5.
- Intel N100: TDP 6W, comparable performance, new mini-PC prices — $150.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
Basic Configuration ($100-$150):
- CPU: AMD A10-6700T (used, $20).
- Motherboard: ASUS A85XM-A (used, $35).
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3-1600 (used, $18).
- SSD: 240 GB (new, $25).
- PSU: 400W (new, $45).
- Case: Mini-Tower (new, $30).
Optimizations:
- Add a Deepcool Gammaxx 400 cooler ($20) if the stock one is noisy.
- For gaming: install Radeon RX 6400 ($130) — requires no additional power.
9. Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the A10-6700T in 2025?
This processor is worth considering for:
- Enthusiasts of upgrading old PCs: if you already have an FM2 motherboard.
- Builders of ultra-budget systems: for office, home theater, or data storage servers.
- Educational projects: familiarizing with x86 architecture, building PCs from scratch.
Why not choose the A10-6700T:
- For $150, you can buy a mini-PC with an Intel N100 that comes with a warranty and support for modern technologies.
- Even a used Core i5 from the 4th generation (like the i5-4570, $30) will offer better performance.
Conclusion
The AMD A10-6700T in 2025 is an example of "surviving" hardware that continues to serve in niche scenarios. It does not impress with performance, but its low price and minimal power requirements make it an option for those who value functionality over speed. However, for most users, more modern budget solutions would be a more sensible choice.