AMD A10-6790B
AMD A10-6790B: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Updated: April 2025
1. Key Characteristics: Architecture and Features
The AMD A10-6790B processor, released in 2013, belongs to a line of hybrid chips (APUs) with integrated graphics. Despite its age, it can still be found in budget builds due to its low cost (new units are rare, priced around $40–60).
Richland Architecture and 32nm Process Technology
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no Hyper-Threading support).
- Frequencies: base clock of 4.0 GHz, turbo mode up to 4.3 GHz.
- Cache: L2 — 4 MB (1 MB per two cores).
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon HD 8670D (384 shader processors, clocked at 844 MHz).
Key Features:
- Turbo Core 3.0 technology for automatic overclocking.
- Support for DirectX 11.1 and Dual Graphics (works with discrete AMD HD 6000/7000 series GPUs).
- Energy efficiency for its time (TDP of 100W).
Performance:
- In Cinebench R15 tests: ~220 points (multithreading).
- In games from 2012–2015 (e.g., Dota 2, CS:GO) — 30–40 FPS on low settings.
2. Compatible Motherboards
FM2 Socket
The processor requires motherboards with an FM2 socket. Suitable chipsets include:
- A55/A75/A85X:
- A55: basic option (no USB 3.0, limited overclocking).
- A85X: top chipset with RAID support, 8 SATA 6 Gbps ports, CPU overclocking.
Example Boards:
- ASUS A85XM-A (price in 2025 — around $70–90 for new).
- Gigabyte GA-F2A75M-D3H (supports USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gbps).
Selection Tips:
- Check for BIOS updates for compatibility with Richland (version after 2013).
- Choose boards with VRM modules and heatsinks for overclocking (e.g., MSI FM2-A75MA-E35).
3. Supported Memory
- Type: DDR3 (not compatible with DDR4/DDR5).
- Frequencies: up to 2133 MHz (depending on the board).
- Dual-channel mode: essential for maximum GPU performance.
Recommendations:
- Use 2 modules of 4 GB DDR3-1866 MHz (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury).
- Avoid memory with latency above CL11.
4. Power Supply Units: Power Calculation
- Processor TDP: 100W.
- Recommended PSU: 400–500W (considering a discrete graphics card).
Examples:
- For a system without discrete graphics: Corsair CX450 ($55).
- With a GPU like Radeon RX 550: EVGA 500 W1 ($60).
Important: Don't skimp on the PSU — cheap models may behave unstably under peak loads.
5. Pros and Cons of AMD A10-6790B
Pros:
- Low cost (cheaper than modern Celeron processors).
- Integrated graphics for basic tasks.
- Dual Graphics support (useful for older GPUs).
Cons:
- Outdated 32nm process (high power consumption).
- No support for DDR4/5, PCIe 3.0/4.0.
- Weak multithreaded performance.
6. Use Cases
- Office Tasks: Document work, browsing (up to 10 tabs).
- Multimedia: Playback of Full HD video, streaming (Netflix, YouTube).
- Light Gaming: CS:GO, Minecraft, League of Legends (up to 60 FPS on low settings).
- Servers: Home NAS or media center (due to low cost).
Limitations:
- Modern games (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield) — less than 15 FPS even on minimum settings.
- Video editing in DaVinci Resolve — long rendering times.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon X4 750K
- Price: ~$35 (new).
- Pros: Higher CPU performance (no integrated graphics).
- Cons: Needs a discrete graphics card.
Intel Core i3-4130
- Price: ~$50 (new).
- Pros: Better IPC, supports Hyper-Threading.
- Cons: Intel HD 4400 graphics are weaker than Radeon HD 8670D.
Conclusion: The A10-6790B only wins out when there's no discrete graphics available.
8. Build Recommendations
- Motherboard: ASUS A88XM-A (A88X chipset, guaranteed compatibility).
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3-1866 MHz (2x4 GB).
- Cooling: AMD Wraith Stealth (compatible with FM2, price $20).
- Storage: Kingston A400 240 GB SSD ($30) for system acceleration.
Example Build:
- CPU: A10-6790B ($50).
- Motherboard: ASUS A85XM-A ($80).
- Memory: 8 GB DDR3 ($25).
- PSU: EVGA 500 W1 ($60).
- Total: ~$215 (excluding case and storage).
9. Final Conclusion: Who is A10-6790B Suitable For?
This processor is suitable for:
- Budget office PCs (if integrated graphics are needed).
- Media centers (Full HD playback, basic streaming).
- Temporary solutions (while saving for modern components).
Why not to buy in 2025?
- No support for modern standards (DDR5, PCIe 4.0).
- Weak for gaming and professional tasks.
Alternatives:
- New AMD Ryzen 3 5300G APUs (4 cores/8 threads, Radeon Graphics, price $120).
If you are looking for the most affordable solution for basic tasks, the A10-6790B can still serve you. However, for future upgrades, it's better to consider more modern platforms.