AMD A4-6320B

AMD A4-6320B

AMD A4-6320B: A Budget APU for Office and Multimedia in 2025

April 2025


Introduction

The AMD A4-6320B processor, released more than a decade ago, is still found in budget builds and refurbished systems. Despite its outdated architecture, it maintains niche popularity due to its low cost and integrated graphics. In this article, we will explore who might find this APU useful in 2025, how to use it correctly, and what to pay attention to when building a system.


Key Specifications

Richland Architecture and 32nm Process

The A4-6320B belongs to the Richland generation—the evolution of AMD's APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) lineup. It is a hybrid processor with two CPU cores and integrated Radeon HD 8370D graphics. The manufacturing process is 32nm, which is considered outdated by 2025 standards (modern chips are manufactured using 5–7nm processes).

Key Parameters:

- Clock speed: 3.8 GHz (base) / 4.0 GHz (Turbo Core).

- Cache: L1 — 96 KB, L2 — 1 MB.

- TDP: 65 W.

Performance

- CPU: Two cores without multithreading support (2C/2T). In synthetic tests (e.g., Cinebench R23), it scores around 180–200 points, comparable to the Intel Pentium G3220. Suitable for basic tasks: document work, browsing, light applications.

- GPU: Radeon HD 8370D (128 shader processors, 800 MHz). Performance is similar to discrete cards from the 2010s, like the NVIDIA GT 710. Capable of running older games (e.g., CS:GO at 720p with 30–40 FPS) or modern titles at minimal settings (Minecraft, Among Us).

Features:

- Support for DirectX 11 and Dual Graphics technology (the ability to connect a discrete AMD graphics card in hybrid mode).

- Energy efficiency for its era.


Compatible Motherboards

FM2 Socket and Chipsets

The A4-6320B uses the FM2 socket, which limits motherboard options to models released from 2012 to 2014. Compatible chipsets include:

- A55/A75/A85X.

Examples of models (new old stock in 2025):

- Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-DS2 (~$50).

- ASUS A85XM-A (~$70).

Selection Tips:

1. Check for APU support in BIOS (some motherboards may require a BIOS update).

2. Prefer models with USB 3.0 and SATA III for fast storage devices.

3. Avoid motherboards with damaged capacitors—due to age, the risk of defects is high.


Supported Memory

The A4-6320B works only with DDR3 (does not support DDR4/DDR5).

- Frequencies: Up to 1866 MHz (depending on the motherboard).

- Configuration: Dual-channel mode recommended (2x4 GB or 2x8 GB).

Tip: In 2025, new DDR3 modules are more expensive than DDR4/DDR5 due to rarity. An 8 GB kit (2x4 GB) at 1600 MHz costs around $35–45.


Power Supply Recommendations

With a TDP of 65 W and no discrete graphics card, a power supply rated at 300–400 W is sufficient. Examples include:

- Corsair CV450 (450 W, 80+ Bronze, ~$55).

- be quiet! System Power 10 350W (~$45).

Important:

- If adding a graphics card (e.g., Radeon RX 6400), choose a power supply of 500 W.

- Cheap noname power supplies can damage components—don’t skimp!


Pros and Cons of the AMD A4-6320B

Advantages:

1. Ultra-budget price: New processors (old stock) are $40–50.

2. Integrated graphics: No need for a separate graphics card for basic tasks.

3. Low power consumption.

Disadvantages:

1. Outdated platform: No support for NVMe, USB 3.1, Wi-Fi 6.

2. Weak multithreading: Struggles with rendering or streaming tasks.

3. Limited upgrade potential: Maximum for FM2 is the APU A10-6800K.


Use Cases

1. Office PC

- Tasks: Word, Excel, browsing with 5–10 tabs.

- Tip: Add an SSD (e.g., Kingston A400 240 GB, ~$25) for faster boot times.

2. Multimedia Center (HTPC)

- Tasks: Streaming video (1080p), YouTube, Netflix.

- Note: 4K is not supported due to lack of HEVC decoder.

3. Light Gaming

- Games: GTA V (720p, low settings), Dota 2 (30–40 FPS), PSP/PS2 emulators.


Comparison with Competitors

Intel Pentium Gold G7400 (2023)

- Price: ~$75.

- Advantages: 2C/4T, DDR4, UHD Graphics 710 (4K support).

- Conclusion: The G7400 excels in multithreading and modern standards but is more expensive.

Raspberry Pi 5 (2024)

- Price: ~$80 (kit).

- Advantages: Energy efficient, supports Linux.

- Conclusion: For tasks like media centers or servers, the Pi 5 is more convenient, but the A4-6320B is stronger in CPU performance.


Practical Assembly Tips

1. Don't overpay for memory: DDR3 1600 MHz is sufficient.

2. Choose a compact case: For example, Fractal Design Core 1100 (~$45).

3. Use an SSD: Even a SATA drive will significantly improve responsiveness.

4. Avoid discrete GPUs higher than RX 6400: The processor will become a bottleneck.


Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider the A4-6320B?

This APU is a choice for those needing an extremely cheap PC for:

- Office or educational tasks.

- Light server tasks (e.g., NAS).

- Backup system in case the main computer fails.

Why in 2025?

- Price below $50.

- Easy assembly (suitable for beginners).

- Reliability under moderate loads.

Alternative: If the budget allows for $100–150, it’s better to get modern solutions based on Ryzen 3 3200G or Intel Core i3-12100—they will provide headroom for the future.


Conclusion

The AMD A4-6320B may be a relic of the past, but in niche scenarios, it remains a practical option. The key is to clearly understand its limitations and not to expect the impossible. As they say, “for two cents, a stick can shoot.”

Basic

Label Name
AMD
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
April 2014
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
A4-6320B
Code Name
Richland
Generation
A4 (Richland)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
2
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
2
Basic Frequency
3.8 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 4 GHz
L1 Cache
96 KB
L2 Cache
1 MB (shared)
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
AMD Socket FM2
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
38.0x
Multiplier Unlocked
No
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
32 nm
TDP
65 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 2
Transistors
1,303 million

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR3
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
Radeon HD 8370D