AMD A8-6500
AMD A8-6500 Richland: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Overview of Capabilities, Compatibility, and Use Cases
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
Richland Architecture and 32nm Process Technology
The AMD A8-6500, released in 2013, belongs to the line of hybrid processors (APUs) from the Richland series. Its main feature is the integration of the Radeon HD 8570D graphics core, which allows it to operate without a discrete graphics card for simple tasks. The architecture is based on the Piledriver microarchitecture, providing 4 physical cores (4 threads) with a base frequency of 3.5 GHz and a turbo mode of up to 4.1 GHz.
By 2025, the 32nm process is considered outdated; modern chips are produced using 5–7nm standards. This affects energy efficiency and heat output, but for the A8-6500, the TDP is limited to 65W, which is lower than many competitors of its time (e.g., AMD's FX series).
Performance and Benchmarks
- Geekbench 6 (2025):
- Single-Core: 434 points.
- Multi-Core: 1044 points.
For comparison: the modern budget Intel Core i3-13100 (2023) scores about 1800/5500 points. The A8-6500 is suitable for basic tasks, but not for resource-intensive applications.
- Graphics: The Radeon HD 8570D handles 1080p video and low-settings games (Minecraft, Dota 2, CS:GO — 30–40 FPS).
2. Compatible Motherboards
FM2 Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the FM2 socket, which limits motherboard choices to models from 2012–2014. Suitable chipsets include:
- A55: A budget option without support for USB 3.0 and SATA III.
- A75/A85X: Enhanced features — USB 3.0, overclocking (A85X), CrossFire.
Examples of motherboards in 2025:
- Gigabyte GA-F2A85XM-HD3 (A85X, priced at $50–70 in remaining stock).
- ASUS A55BM-E (A55, $40–60).
Important: New FM2 motherboards are no longer produced, but can be found from smaller vendors or in retail. Ensure the BIOS version supports Richland.
3. Supported Memory
The A8-6500 works with DDR3 (does not support DDR4/DDR5).
- Frequencies: Up to 1866 MHz (depending on the motherboard).
- Modes: Dual-channel to enhance graphics performance.
- Maximum Capacity: 64 GB (theoretically), but practically limited to 16–32 GB due to old motherboard constraints.
Recommendation: Use two 8 GB DDR3-1600 modules for a balance of price and speed.
4. Power Supply: Calculation and Recommendations
With a TDP of 65W and no discrete graphics card, the system will require a power supply of 300–400W. Examples:
- Corsair CV450 (450W, $45) — headroom for future upgrades.
- be quiet! System Power 10 (350W, $40).
If a graphics card is added: For an NVIDIA GTX 1650 (75W), a 450W PSU will be needed.
5. Pros and Cons of the A8-6500 in 2025
Pros:
- Low Price: $50–70 for a new processor (remaining stock).
- Energy Efficiency: 65W is suitable for compact builds.
- Integrated Graphics: No need to purchase a graphics card for basic tasks.
Cons:
- Outdated Architecture: 300% lag in Single-Core performance compared to modern CPUs.
- Limited Compatibility: No support for PCIe 4.0, USB-C, NVMe.
- No Upgrade Path: FM2 socket is incompatible with new processors.
6. Use Scenarios
Office and Multimedia
- Document work, browsing (10+ tabs), Zoom conferences.
- Watching 1080p/4K videos (with stuttering in 4K).
Light Gaming
- 2010s games: Skyrim, GTA V (720p, low settings).
- Indie projects: Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight.
Home Server or Media Center
Install Linux + Plex/Kodi for streaming.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Pentium G3420 (2013):
- 2 cores, 54W, HD Graphics.
- Falls short in multi-threading (Geekbench Multi-Core ~800).
AMD Athlon X4 750K (2013):
- 4 cores, 100W, no integrated graphics.
- Better for CPU tasks but requires a separate graphics card.
Conclusion: The A8-6500 wins on integrated graphics but lags in raw performance.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- Motherboard: Look for models with USB 3.0 and SATA III (A75/A85X chipset).
- Memory: 2×8 GB DDR3-1600.
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replace it with a Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($20) for quieter operation.
- Storage: A 240 GB SATA SSD (Kingston A400, $25) will speed up the system.
Example Build:
- Processor: A8-6500 ($60).
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A85XM-HD3 ($55).
- Memory: 16 GB DDR3 ($35).
- SSD: 240 GB ($25).
- PSU: 400W ($40).
- Total: $215 (excluding case).
9. Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the A8-6500?
This processor is worth considering for:
- Budget Users: For office work, education, and browsing.
- Retro Game Enthusiasts: Building a PC for older titles.
- Owners of Old Systems: An upgrade without replacing the motherboard.
Why not? If you need modern gaming, 4K video, or heavy applications — the A8-6500 is hopelessly outdated. In 2025, it is a niche solution for very limited tasks.
Prices are listed as of April 2025 for new components. Please check warranty and compatibility at the time of purchase.