AMD A10-7890K
AMD A10-7890K: Review of an Obsolete but Still Relevant APU for Budget Systems (2025)
Key Specifications: Architecture, Manufacturing Process, and Key Features
Godaveri Architecture and 28 nm Process
The AMD A10-7890K, released in 2016, is based on the Godaveri microarchitecture (an evolution of Piledriver). This is the last generation of AMD processors with a modular Bulldozer structure, where two integer cores share the resources of a single module. The manufacturing process is 28 nm, which is considered outdated by 2025 (modern chips use 5–7 nm). This limits energy efficiency and transistor density but keeps the production cost of the processor low.
Key Parameters:
- 4 cores / 4 threads (no SMT support).
- Base clock: 4.1 GHz, turbo mode up to 4.3 GHz.
- TDP: 95 W.
- Integrated graphics Radeon R7 (512 streams, 866 MHz).
- Support for DDR3-2133 MHz.
Performance in 2025
According to Geekbench 6 tests (the version relevant for 2025):
- Single-core score: 546 — comparable to Intel Core i3-6100 (2015).
- Multi-core score: 1314 — on par with Ryzen 3 1200 (2017).
The integrated Radeon R7 graphics show modest results:
- CS:GO at 720p (Low) — 45–60 FPS.
- Minecraft (without shaders) — 50–70 FPS.
Highlights:
- Overclocking capability (unlocked multiplier).
- Support for Mantle API and DirectX 12 — relevant for older games.
- TrueAudio technology for enhanced sound in games.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
FM2+ Socket
The processor uses the outdated FM2+ socket, which limits the choice of motherboards. No new FM2+ boards are being produced in 2025, but the following models are available on the second-hand market:
- ASUS A88X-Pro (A88X chipset) — priced around $50–70 (used).
- Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H — around $40–60 (used).
- MSI A78M-E35 — around $30–50 (used).
Chipsets:
- A88X: Overclocking support, USB 3.0, SATA III.
- A78/A55: Basic features, no overclocking.
Selection Features:
- Look for boards with VRM coolers for stable overclocking.
- Check BIOS support — some boards may require updates.
- Pay attention to the presence of HDMI/DVI for monitor connections.
Memory Support: Only DDR3
The A10-7890K works only with DDR3-2133 MHz. This is a significant drawback in 2025, as DDR3 lags behind DDR4/DDR5 in speed (up to 17 GB/s vs. 25+ GB/s) and energy efficiency.
Recommendations:
- Use dual-channel kits (2×4 GB or 2×8 GB) to enhance graphics performance.
- Look for memory with low timings (CL9–CL11).
- Example: Kingston HyperX Fury 1866 MHz (compatible, but can overclock to 2133 MHz).
Power Supply: Calculations and Recommendations
Considering a TDP of 95 W and integrated graphics, the minimum PSU power is 400–450 W (if no discrete graphics card is used). For systems with a GTX 1650-level GPU, choose a PSU 500–550 W.
Examples of 2025 models:
- Corsair CV450 (450 W, 80+ Bronze) — $55–65.
- be quiet! System Power 10 550W — $70–80.
Important:
- Don't skimp on the PSU — cheap models may perform unstably under overclocking.
- If you plan to upgrade, choose a PSU with extra power capacity.
Pros and Cons of the AMD A10-7890K
Advantages
1. Low price: New FM2+ processors are not produced in 2025, but used A10-7890K can be found for $30–50.
2. Integrated graphics: Suitable for basic gaming and multimedia without a discrete GPU.
3. Overclocking potential: With good cooling, CPU/GPU frequencies can increase by 10–15%.
Disadvantages
1. Outdated architecture: Falls short against even budget Ryzen 3 5300G in multi-threaded tasks.
2. Limited memory support: DDR3 is a bottleneck for performance.
3. High power consumption: 95 W compared to 65 W for modern APUs.
Usage Scenarios: Where the A10-7890K is Still Relevant
1. Office PCs: Document work, browsing, Zoom — the processor handles it without lag.
2. Media centers: Playback of 4K video via HDMI (with hardware decoding support).
3. Light gaming: Indies (Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight), older AAA titles (Skyrim, GTA V on low settings).
4. Backup systems: For home automation servers or routers.
Real Experience: A user from Brazil built a budget PC based on the A10-7890K for study purposes with 16 GB of DDR3 and an SSD. The system runs Visual Studio Code and Chrome with 10+ tabs without sluggishness.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Core i3-10100 (4C/8T):
- New price: $120–130.
- Geekbench 6: 1100/4000.
- Pros: DDR4, modern chipsets. Cons: Requires a discrete GPU.
2. Ryzen 5 5600G (6C/12T):
- New price: $150–170.
- Geekbench 6: 1600/7500.
- Pros: Vega 7 graphics, PCIe 4.0.
Conclusion: The A10-7890K is only advantageous in a total budget of up to $100 for the whole build.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Cooling: The stock cooler is insufficient for overclocking — consider a DeepCool Gammaxx 400 (~$25).
2. Storage: Always use SSDs (for example, Kingston A400 240GB — $30).
3. Case: Choose models with good ventilation (Zalman S2 — $40).
4. Upgrade: Don’t invest in FM2+ — this platform is obsolete. Consider switching to AM4/AM5.
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the A10-7890K?
This processor should only be considered in cases of:
- Extremely budget-friendly builds (up to $200) for office or media center use.
- Upgrading an old FM2+ PC without changing the motherboard.
- Experimenting with overclocking for educational purposes.
Alternatives in 2025: For $100–150, you can buy a used Ryzen 3 3200G or Intel Core i3-12100F with DDR4, which will provide 2–3 times better performance.
If you're not constrained by budget — opt for modern platforms. But if your goal is to revitalize an old computer or build a "workhorse" on a budget, the A10-7890K still has its place.