AMD A4-6300B
AMD A4-6300B: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks — Review 2025
Article updated: April 2025
Key Specifications of the AMD A4-6300B
Architecture and Process Technology
The AMD A4-6300B processor, released in 2013, is based on the Piledriver microarchitecture (codename Richland) and is manufactured using a 32nm process technology. It is a dual-core CPU with two threads, lacking support for SMT or Hyper-Threading. The base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with Turbo Core reaching up to 3.9 GHz. The integrated Radeon HD 8370D graphics (128 streams, 760 MHz) provides basic capabilities for gaming and multimedia.
Key Features:
- Integrated GPU, saving the budget on a discrete graphics card.
- Low power consumption (TDP 65W).
- Support for SSE4, AVX, and AES instructions.
Performance
According to Geekbench 6 tests (2025):
- Single-threaded score: 415 points.
- Multi-threaded score: 577 points.
For comparison, the modern budget processor AMD Athlon 3000G (2023) scores around ~1100/2100 points. The A4-6300B handles office applications (Word, Excel), web browsing (up to 10 tabs), and 1080p video, but "stutters" during rendering or multitasking.
Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The A4-6300B uses the outdated FM2 socket, limiting the choice of motherboards. Compatible chipsets include:
- A55, A58, A68H, A78, A85X.
Selection Recommendations for 2025:
- Look for boards with support for USB 3.0 (for example, ASUS A68HM-K) — they speed up data transfer.
- Avoid models without SATA III (6 Gbps) — this will slow down SSDs.
- In the secondary market (eBay, Avito), such boards cost $20–40. New specimens are rarely found.
Limitations:
- No support for NVMe, Wi-Fi 6, or PCIe 4.0.
- Maximum of 64 GB DDR3 (but for this processor, 8–16 GB is sufficient).
Supported Memory
The A4-6300B only works with DDR3-1600 MHz in dual-channel mode. DDR4/DDR5 are not supported.
Optimization Tips:
- Use 2 memory modules (for example, 2x4 GB) for a performance boost of 15–20%.
- Avoid memory with a frequency lower than 1600 MHz — it will reduce the speed of the iGPU.
Example: A Kingston HyperX Fury 2x4 GB DDR3-1866 kit (compatible with overclocking) can be found for $25–30.
Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 65W and no discrete graphics card, a PSU of 300–400W is sufficient.
Examples of Reliable Models:
- Corsair CV450 (450W, 80+ Bronze) — $45.
- Be Quiet! System Power 10 (400W) — $40.
Important:
- If you plan to install a graphics card (for example, GTX 1650), choose a PSU of 450–500W.
- Cheap power supplies (like Aerocool VX) may operate unstably under load.
Pros and Cons of AMD A4-6300B
Advantages
- Price: Costs $15–25 on the second-hand market (processor + cooler).
- Energy Efficiency: Suitable for low-power builds (for example, HTPC).
- iGPU: Allows for running older games (CS:GO, Dota 2 at low settings — 30–40 FPS).
Disadvantages
- Weak Performance: Struggles with modern games and heavy software.
- Outdated Platform: No upgrade path on FM2 — the next step requires replacing the motherboard and memory.
- Limited Multitasking: 2 cores — a "bottleneck" for streaming tasks.
Use Cases
1. Office and Study
- Document editing, email work, Zoom conferences.
- Example: A build with A4-6300B + 8 GB DDR3 + 240 GB SSD will cost around $70–90.
2. Multimedia
- Watching 1080p/4K (with hardware decoding), streaming Netflix.
- Issue: Playback of 4K60 sometimes causes stuttering.
3. Light Gaming
- Games from the 2010s: Skyrim, GTA V (at minimum settings — 25–30 FPS), Minecraft.
- Tip: Adding a discrete GPU (like Radeon RX 550 for $80) will improve FPS.
4. Home Server
- Running on Linux (Proxmox, NAS), the processor will handle basic tasks (file storage, VPN).
Comparison with Competitors
Intel Celeron G5905 (2020)
- Price: $50 (new).
- Pros: 2 cores, 4 threads, supports DDR4-2666.
- Conclusion: G5905 is 30% faster in multi-threading but requires a separate graphics card.
AMD Athlon 3000G (2019)
- Price: $60 (new).
- Pros: 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 iGPU, supports DDR4-2666.
- Conclusion: Better choice for a budget all-in-one build.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. SSD is essential: Even an old Kingston A400 (240 GB) will speed up the system.
2. Optimize cooling: The stock cooler is noisy — replace it with Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T ($15).
3. Don’t overpay for the motherboard: Look for options with USB 3.0 and SATA III.
4. Add a graphics card: For gaming, used GTX 1050 Ti ($50–70) will suffice.
Final Conclusion: Who is the A4-6300B Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for extremely limited budgets or specific tasks:
- PC build for parents/children: Surfing, YouTube, basic programs.
- Backup computer: Just in case the main one fails.
- Experimental projects: Mini-server, retro gaming machine.
Alternative: If the budget allows for $100–150, it’s better to get a used Ryzen 3 2200G or a new Intel N100 — they will offer modern technologies and future-proofing.
Prices are current as of April 2025.