AMD Athlon X4 850
AMD Athlon X4 850: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
A Relevant Review for Budget-Conscious Users
Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, and Key Features
Godaveri Architecture: A Legacy from 2014
The AMD Athlon X4 850, released in 2016, is based on the Godaveri microarchitecture — an evolution of Piledriver. Despite its age, it remains relevant for basic tasks thanks to its 4 physical cores with no support for multithreading (4 cores / 4 threads). The manufacturing process is 28 nm, which by 2025 is considered outdated (modern chips use 5–7 nm). Its base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with no turbo mode.
Performance: What to Expect?
- Single-threaded Load: Performance is lower than modern counterparts (for example, AMD Ryzen 3 5300G on 7 nm). In Cinebench R23 tests: ~250 points (single-threaded), ~900 points (multi-threaded).
- Multitasking: Suitable for office applications (Microsoft Office, browsers), but not for rendering or heavy software (Blender, AutoCAD).
Key Features:
- Low power consumption (TDP 65 W).
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking (but potential is limited due to 28 nm).
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
Socket FM2+: An Outdated Standard
The processor requires motherboards with the FM2+ socket. Popular chipsets include:
- A68H: A budget option with support for USB 3.0 and SATA III. Example: ASUS A68HM-K (price in 2025 — $40–$60).
- A88X: Enhanced capabilities (more stable overclocking, more ports). Example: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H ($70–$90).
Selection Tips:
- New FM2+ motherboards are rarely produced — look for leftovers on Amazon, Newegg, or Aliexpress.
- Check for X4 850 support in the BIOS compatibility list (version no lower than P2.10 for ASUS boards).
Supported Memory: Only DDR3
DDR3-2133 MHz: Platform Limitation
The Athlon X4 850 works with DDR3 memory (not DDR4/DDR5!). The maximum frequency is 2133 MHz in dual-channel mode. Recommended modules:
- 2×4 GB DDR3-1866 (minimal option for Windows 10/11).
- 2×8 GB DDR3-2133 for multitasking (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury, $25–$35 for 8 GB).
Important: The low bandwidth of DDR3 limits performance in games and memory-intensive applications (e.g., Photoshop).
Power Supply Recommendations
Minimum Requirements:
- Without a discrete graphics card: 300 W PSU (e.g., EVGA 300W, $35).
- With a graphics card like NVIDIA GTX 1650: 450 W PSU (Corsair CX450, $55).
Advice:
- Avoid cheap noname power supplies — unstable power can damage components.
- For overclocking, add 50–100 W to your calculated power needs.
Pros and Cons of AMD Athlon X4 850
Pros:
- Price: New processors in 2025 — $45–$60 (2–3 times cheaper than Ryzen 3 5300G).
- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for low-power builds (HTPC, office PCs).
- Ease of Upgrade: Suitable for replacing old Athlon/Phenom CPUs on the FM2+ platform.
Cons:
- Outdated Architecture: Lags behind even budget Intel Celeron G5920 (2020) in single-threaded tasks.
- No Integrated Graphics: Requires a discrete graphics card (even for basic display output).
Use Cases: Where is the X4 850 Still Relevant?
1. Office Tasks: Document work, video conferencing, light web browsing.
2. Multimedia: Watching FullHD videos, streaming via YouTube (but 4K may lag).
3. Light Gaming:
- CS:GO on low settings (up to 60 FPS with GTX 1050).
- Minecraft, Terraria, indie projects.
Real Example: A user built a PC with X4 850 + GTX 1050 Ti + 8 GB DDR3 for a child — Minecraft and online lessons run smoothly without lag.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Pentium Gold G6400 (2020):
- 2 cores / 4 threads, 4.0 GHz, 14 nm.
- Integrated UHD 610 graphics.
- Price: $75.
Conclusion: Pentium is better in single-threaded tasks, but more expensive.
2. AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (2019):
- 4 cores / 4 threads, Vega 8 iGPU, 12 nm.
- Price: $110.
Conclusion: Ryzen 3 wins in all aspects but requires AM4 platform and DDR4.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Motherboard: Look for models with USB 3.1 and HDMI (e.g., ASUS A88XM-A).
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, install a Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).
3. Graphics Card: Budget options — NVIDIA GT 1030 or AMD RX 550 (new ones — $80–$120).
4. Storage: Ensure you get an SSD (Kingston A400 240 GB — $25) to speed up the system.
Warning: Do not buy DDR3L (low-voltage) memory without motherboard support!
Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon X4 850 Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for:
- Budget Builds: If your goal is to stay within $200–$300.
- Upgrading Old PCs: Replacing outdated Athlon II X4 without changing the motherboard.
- Specialized Tasks: Media centers, terminals for cafes, simple home servers.
Alternatives for 2025: If the budget allows for $150+, consider Ryzen 3 5300G or Intel Core i3-12100 — they will provide performance headroom for 3–5 years.
Conclusion: The AMD Athlon X4 850 in 2025 is a niche solution for those who value minimalism and economy. However, for modern tasks, it's better to invest in newer platforms.