AMD Athlon X2 450
AMD Athlon X2 450 (Kaveri): A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Updated: April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Features
The AMD Athlon X2 450 processor, released under the codename Kaveri, is a dual-core solution for budget PCs. Despite the fact that the Kaveri architecture debuted back in 2014, this chip remains popular due to its low cost and energy efficiency.
- Process Technology: 28 nm.
- Cores/Threads: 2/2.
- Base/Turbo Frequency: 3.5 GHz / 3.9 GHz.
- TDP: 65 W.
- Cache: L2 — 2 MB, L3 — none.
- Integrated Graphics: No (unlike the APU series A10/A8).
Key Features:
- Support for AVX and FMA3 instruction sets to accelerate computations.
- AMD Turbo Core technology for automatic overclocking.
- Compatibility with FM2+ platform-based systems.
Despite the lack of multithreading, the processor demonstrates stable performance in single-threaded tasks. For example, when working with office applications (Microsoft Office, browsers), it consumes minimal energy and does not require active cooling.
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket: FM2+ — an outdated socket, but motherboards are still available on the secondary market and in some stores.
Recommended Chipsets:
- A88X: Supports USB 3.0, SATA III, and processor overclocking.
- A78: Basic features, suitable for office builds.
- A68H: A minimalist option for the cheapest systems.
Examples of Boards:
- ASUS A88XM-Plus ($60–70): A reliable model with 4 DDR3 slots and HDMI.
- Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-DS2 ($40–50): A budget choice focused on energy efficiency.
Selection Tips:
- Ensure that the motherboard's BIOS is updated to a version that supports Kaveri.
- Due to the lack of PCIe 4.0/5.0, a discrete graphics card will operate on PCIe 3.0 x16 (sufficient for GTX 1650 or similar models).
3. Supported Memory
The processor works only with DDR3 (up to 2133 MHz in overclocking mode). Attempts to use DDR4 or DDR5 will result in incompatibility — Kaveri physically does not support these standards.
Recommendations:
- Optimal capacity: 8–16 GB (2×4 GB or 2×8 GB).
- Example modules: Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3-1866 ($25–30 for 8 GB).
4. Power Supplies: Calculations and Recommendations
Considering the TDP of 65 W and the lack of integrated graphics, a system based on the Athlon X2 450 consumes approximately 120–150 W under load (with a GTX 1050 Ti-level graphics card).
Recommended PSUs:
- EVGA 450 BR ($45): 80+ Bronze certified, sufficient power.
- be quiet! System Power 10 400W ($50): Quiet operation, reliability.
Important: Do not use power supplies without certification — there is a risk of overload and component failure!
5. Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Low price ($50–60 for new units).
- Energy efficiency (suitable for HTPC or office PCs).
- Easy cooling (a stock cooler is sufficient).
Disadvantages:
- No support for DDR4/DDR5 and PCIe 4.0+.
- Limited gaming and professional task potential.
- Limited upgrade path (maximum upgrade to Athlon X4 860K).
6. Usage Scenarios
- Office Tasks: Document work, email, video conferencing.
- Multimedia: Watching Full HD videos, streaming (through YouTube, Netflix).
- Light Gaming: Minecraft, Dota 2, CS:GO at low settings (with a discrete graphics card).
Real Example: A PC based on Athlon X2 450 + GT 1030 can handle photo editing in Photoshop and 4K playback through GPU decoding.
7. Comparison with Competitors
- Intel Pentium Gold G6400 ($70): 2 cores/4 threads, DDR4, but at a higher price.
- AMD Athlon 3000G ($65): 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 iGPU, DDR4 support.
Conclusion: The Athlon X2 450 excels only in price but falls short in performance and modern technologies.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
1. Choosing a Case: Micro-ATX with ventilation (for example, Cooler Master N200).
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation, replace it with the Arctic Freezer 7 X ($15).
3. Storage: Be sure to use an SSD (for example, Kingston A400 240 GB ($30)) to speed up the system.
4. Graphics Card: If gaming is needed, add a used GTX 1050 Ti ($70–90).
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon X2 450 Suitable For?
This processor is suitable for those who:
- Are building a cheap office PC or media center.
- Need to replace an old processor in the FM2+ platform.
- Do not plan to run modern games or resource-intensive applications.
In 2025, the Athlon X2 450 seems outdated, but its price and minimal power requirements make it a niche solution for a very limited budget. For any serious tasks, it is better to consider models on AM4 or Intel LGA 1700.