AMD A6-1450
AMD A6-1450 (Temash): Outdated, but Still Kicking. Who is it Relevant for in 2025?
Introduction
The AMD A6-1450 processor, released in 2013 under the codename Temash, was originally designed as a solution for compact devices—entry-level tablets and ultrabooks. Fast forward 12 years to 2025, and you can mostly find it in used devices or super-budget laptops for emerging markets. However, even today, it retains niche relevance. Let’s explore who could still benefit from this chip and why.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: The Legacy of Jaguar
28 nm and Four Cores
The A6-1450 is built on the Jaguar microarchitecture, which also underpins processors for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. However, its capabilities are modest in the mobile segment:
- 4 cores/4 threads without SMT support (one core—one thread).
- Base clock: 1.0 GHz, turbo mode: up to 1.4 GHz (only activates under low load on all cores).
- Integrated Radeon HD 8250 graphics with 128 stream processors and a frequency of up to 400 MHz.
The chip is fabricated using a 28-nm process, which was standard in 2013 but appears archaic by 2025. For comparison, modern budget AMD processors (like the Ryzen 3 7420U) use a 6-nm technology, providing half the power consumption with greater performance.
Power Consumption and TDP: The Main Advantage
TDP of 8 W is the key advantage of the A6-1450. This allows:
- Abandoning active cooling (fans), making devices thinner and quieter.
- Providing long battery life even with a battery capacity of 30–40 Wh.
However, the low TDP comes at the cost of modest clock speeds and reduced capabilities. For example, under full load (like video rendering), the processor quickly enters throttling mode, reducing its frequency to the base 1.0 GHz.
Performance: Realities of 2025
Benchmarks and Real-World Tasks
Geekbench 6 results (152/450) in 2025 look disheartening. To put it into perspective:
- Office Tasks: LibreOffice, Google Workspace work adequately, but performance lags when opening 10+ browser tabs simultaneously.
- Multimedia: Viewing Full HD video is possible, but 4K is not supported hardware-wise. Streaming Netflix in HD will require lowering quality due to the absence of a VP9 decoder.
- Gaming: Only older games on low settings. Dota 2 runs at 20–25 FPS at 720p, CS:GO reaches up to 30 FPS. Modern titles like Fortnite or Genshin Impact won’t run.
Turbo Mode (1.4 GHz) rarely activates; for instance, when launching an application or under brief load. In multi-threaded scenarios (video call + browser), the frequency drops to 1.1–1.2 GHz.
Use Cases: Who is it Relevant for in 2025?
The A6-1450 is suitable only for:
1. Super-budget Laptops (new devices priced at $250–$300):
- Office tasks (Word, Excel, email).
- Educational programs for schools (such as education apps on Linux).
2. Devices with Long Battery Life:
- Electronic kiosks, information panels.
- Backup laptops for travel (web surfing, navigation).
3. DIY Enthusiasts:
- Mini-PCs for home servers (like file storage based on Ubuntu Server).
For running Windows 11, the processor is unsuitable— it does not meet system requirements. The optimal OS would be Linux (Lubuntu, Xubuntu) or Windows 10 LTSC.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
With a 40 Wh battery:
- Web Surfing (Chrome, 5–7 tabs): 6–7 hours.
- Video Playback (local 1080p): up to 9 hours.
- Idle (documents + sporadic activity): 10–12 hours.
This efficiency is achieved through:
- Dynamic deactivation of unused cores.
- Adaptive GPU frequency adjustment.
- Support for low-voltage DDR3L-1066 (1.35 V).
However, by 2025, even budget processors (like the Intel N100) provide similar battery life with double the performance.
Comparison with Competitors: Who's in the Same Class?
AMD Athlon Silver 3050e (2020):
- 2 cores/2 threads, 6 W TDP.
- Geekbench 6: 450/800.
- Device prices: starting from $350.
Conclusion: Better in multi-threaded tasks but more expensive.
Intel Celeron N4500 (2021):
- 2 cores/2 threads, 6 W TDP.
- Geekbench 6: 500/900.
- Supports 4K at 60 FPS.
Conclusion: Wins on all fronts.
Apple A14 Bionic (in iPad Air 2020):
- 6 CPU cores/4 GPU cores, 5 nm.
- Geekbench 6: 2200/5500.
Conclusion: Comparison is unfair due to platform differences (ARM vs x86), but even a 5-year-old iPad is faster.
Pros and Cons: Is It Worth Buying?
Strengths:
- Record low device prices ($200–$300).
- Passive cooling (no noise).
- Sufficient for basic tasks on Linux.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated architecture: no AVX2 support or modern instructions.
- Maximum of 8 GB RAM (DDR3L-1066).
- No NVMe, Wi-Fi 6, or USB 3.2 support.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
If you're considering a device with the A6-1450 in 2025, pay attention to:
1. Type of Storage: SSD is essential (even SATA III). HDD will make the system unbearably slow.
2. Display: IPS panel with a resolution of 1366×768. HD+ (1600×900) will already tax the GPU.
3. Ports: USB 3.0 is preferable for connecting external drives.
4. OS: Choose models with Linux or FreeDOS to avoid paying extra for a Windows license.
Example laptop: HP 255 G8 (priced at $270 in 2025):
- AMD A6-1450, 8 GB DDR3, 256 GB SSD, 15.6″ HD, Linux.
Final Conclusion: Who Is Temash Suitable For?
The A6-1450 is a processor for very specific scenarios:
- Buying a backup laptop "just in case."
- Educational projects with a minimal budget.
- Creating DIY devices (like a digital photo frame).
Key Benefits:
- Price lower than mid-range smartphones.
- Compatibility with x86 software (important for legacy industrial software).
- Absolute noiselessness.
However, for most users in 2025, even budget ARM Chromebooks (like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook for $299) will be a more practical choice. Temash remains a niche solution whose time has irrevocably passed.