AMD Athlon 5150
AMD Athlon 5150: A Budget Solution for Basic Tasks in 2025
(Relevant as of April 2025)
Key Features: Architecture and Performance
The AMD Athlon 5150 processor, released in 2014 based on the Jaguar microarchitecture (code name Kabini), remains a niche solution for ultra-budget builds. Despite its age, it can still be found for sale as part of new OEM systems or as leftovers from stock.
Technical Specifications:
- Manufacturing Process: 28 nm (outdated for 2025, but ensuring low power consumption).
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no support for SMT/Hyper-Threading).
- Base Clock Speed: 1.6 GHz, no Turbo Boost.
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon R3 128CU (128 shader processors at a frequency of 600 MHz).
- TDP: 25 W — ideal for passive cooling or compact cases.
- Performance:
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 182 (comparable to Intel Atom x5-Z8350).
- Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 518 (close to modern dual-core Celerons).
Key Features:
- Extremely low price (new processors starting at $40).
- Virtualization support (AMD-V).
- Integrated GPU for basic tasks.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The Athlon 5150 uses the AM1 socket, which was phased out in 2016. In 2025, finding new motherboards is challenging, but some online stores offer remaining stock:
- Chipsets: A68H (supports USB 3.0, SATA 3.0).
- Examples of Boards: ASUS AM1M-A, Gigabyte GA-AM1M-S2H (prices — $50–70, if available).
- Selection Features:
- Minimum ports: 2 DDR3 slots, 1x PCIe x16 (version 2.0), 4x SATA.
- It is recommended to choose boards with HDMI for connection to modern monitors.
Supported Memory
Memory Type: DDR3L-1600 (with a voltage of 1.35 V).
Maximum Capacity: 32 GB (but due to chipset limitations, typically 16 GB).
Important! Despite requests for DDR4/DDR5 compatibility, the processor does not support DDR4/DDR5. This is a common mistake when selecting components for AM1.
Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 25 W, the Athlon 5150 is one of the most energy-efficient CPUs. Even with other components included:
- Minimum Configuration (without discrete graphics): PSU in the 150–200 W range (e.g., FSP Flex-300).
- With some headroom: 300–400 W (if an upgrade is planned).
- Examples:
- Be Quiet! SFX Power 3 300W ($45).
- Corsair CV450 ($55).
Pros and Cons of Athlon 5150
Pros:
- Ultra-low system cost.
- Energy efficiency (suitable for NAS or media center).
- 4K support via HDMI (with a limitation: 24 Hz).
Cons:
- Low performance in 2025 (not suitable for Windows 11 or heavy applications).
- Lack of NVMe, USB 3.1, Wi-Fi 6 support.
- Limited availability of new motherboards.
Use Cases
1. Office Tasks:
- Document work, browsing (up to 5 tabs), video calls (720p).
- Example: A build based on Athlon 5150 + 8 GB DDR3 + 240 GB SSD will cost around $100–150.
2. Multimedia:
- Watching video in 1080p (4K will lag).
- Connecting to a TV via HDMI (Kodi, Plex).
3. Light Gaming:
- Older titles: Half-Life 2, Minecraft (Low settings, 30–40 FPS).
- Integrated R3 graphics are on par with Intel HD Graphics 4000.
4. Server Tasks:
- Home NAS or router based on Linux (OpenMediaVault, pfSense).
Comparison with Competitors
In 2025, the Athlon 5150 competes with used solutions, but for new systems, the following are relevant:
- Intel Celeron J6412 ($80):
- 4 cores, 4 threads, TDP 10 W.
- Twice the performance in Geekbench 6.
- DDR4 support.
- AMD Athlon 3000G ($90):
- 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3.
- Compatibility with AM4 and DDR4.
Summary: The Athlon 5150 only wins in price but significantly lags in performance.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Choosing an OS:
- Linux (Lubuntu, Xubuntu) — for maximum speed.
- Windows 10 LTSC — if software compatibility is needed.
2. Storage:
- SSD is a must (Kingston A400 240 GB — $25).
3. Cooling:
- Passive cooler (Noctua NH-L9a) or standard box cooler.
4. Case:
- Compact Mini-ITX (InWin Chopin — $90).
Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon 5150 Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are building a cheap PC for browsing the internet and office use.
- Need a quiet system (for instance, for a home theater).
- Are experimenting with building a NAS using old components.
Alternative: If the budget allows for $150–200, it’s better to choose modern Celerons or the Athlon 3000G. However, for ultra-budget tasks, the Athlon 5150 remains a justified option in 2025.
Prices are for new devices as of April 2025. Availability of components should be confirmed with suppliers.