AMD Athlon X4 870K
AMD Athlon X4 870K: Budget Processor of 2025 — Is It Worth It?
An analysis of capabilities, compatibility, and use cases for an outdated yet affordable model.
Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
Godaveri Code, 28 nm, 4 cores/4 threads
The AMD Athlon X4 870K, released back in 2015, is based on the Steamroller microarchitecture. It is one of the last generations of CPUs before AMD transitioned to Zen. The 28 nm manufacturing process leads to high thermal output (TDP of 95 W) and modest energy efficiency by 2025 standards.
Performance
- Geekbench 6: 483 (Single-Core), 1194 (Multi-Core). For comparison, the modern budget Intel Core i3-13100 (2023) scores around ~1800/4500 points.
- Base frequency: 3.9 GHz, Turbo Core up to 4.1 GHz.
Key Features
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking (but potential is limited due to heat).
- Support for AVX and FMA3 instructions.
- Integrated DDR3 memory controller.
Limitations:
- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0, only PCIe 3.0.
- Lack of integrated graphics (a discrete graphics card is required).
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
FM2+ Socket
The processor requires motherboards with FM2+ sockets. By 2025, new boards are rarely produced, but older models can still be found on the market:
- Chipsets: A88X (the top model, supporting RAID and USB 3.0), A78, A68H (budget options).
- Examples: ASUS A88XM-Plus (~$90), Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H (~$80).
Choosing Tips
- Look for boards with VRM cooling for stable overclocking.
- Check for USB 3.1 and SATA III (6 Gb/s) support — critical for SSDs.
- Warning: New FM2+ boards in 2025 are rare and are often sold refurbished or as leftovers.
Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The Athlon X4 870K works with DDR3-2133 MHz (dual-channel mode). The volume can go up to 64 GB, but in reality, FM2+ boards rarely support more than 32 GB.
Recommendations:
- Use 2 modules of 8 GB DDR3-1866/2133 (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury, ~$35 for a set).
- Avoid cheap memory without heatsinks — high frequencies may cause errors.
Important: DDR3 is outdated. If you plan to upgrade, it's better to choose a platform with DDR4/5.
Power Supply: Calculations and Recommendations
Power Requirements
With a TDP of 95 W and a discrete graphics card like the GTX 1650 (TDP 75 W), a 450 W power supply is sufficient (e.g., EVGA 450 BR, ~$50).
Tips:
- Choose a power supply with an 80+ Bronze certification and overload protection.
- For builds with a GPU like the RTX 3050 (TDP 130 W), a 500-550 W power supply is needed.
Real Experience: Users report that even with a cheap 400 W power supply, the system runs stably, but overclocking requires headroom.
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Price: A new processor costs ~$60 (2025), which is cheaper than modern Celeron/Pentium CPUs.
- Sufficient for basic tasks: Office work, web browsing, 1080p video.
- Overclocking: Possible to achieve clock speeds of 4.3-4.5 GHz with good cooling.
Disadvantages:
- Outdated architecture: It falls behind even budget Ryzen 3 5300G in multi-threaded tasks.
- Limited compatibility: No support for NVMe, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6.
- High Heat Output: Without a cooler like the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 (~$25), the temperature under load can reach 85°C.
Use Cases: Where is it Relevant in 2025?
1. Office PC: Handles document work, Zoom, and browsers — the processor manages well.
2. Multimedia: Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube 4K via GPU), music.
3. Light Gaming:
- CS:GO: 60-80 FPS on medium settings (with GTX 1050 Ti).
- GTA V: 40-50 FPS (High settings, 1080p).
- Modern AAA games: Not recommended — CPU will become a bottleneck.
4. Home Lab Server: Suitable for a NAS or home web server running Linux.
Comparison with Competitors
- Intel Pentium Gold G7400 (2023): 2 cores/4 threads, Geekbench 6 ~1000/2200. Price ~$80.
Conclusion: Pentium is faster in single-threaded tasks but more expensive.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (2019): 4 cores/4 threads, Vega 8 iGPU, Geekbench 6 ~900/2500. Price ~$100.
Conclusion: A better choice for gaming without a discrete GPU.
- Used Options: Intel Core i5-4690K (4 cores/4 threads, ~$45) — higher performance, but the platform is also outdated.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88X Pro3+ (~$85) — 6 SATA ports, USB 3.0.
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is weak. Opt for a Deepcool Gammaxx 400 or Cooler Master Hyper 212.
3. Storage: SSD is a must (e.g., Kingston A400 480 GB, ~$40). HDD will slow down the system.
4. Graphics Card: GTX 1650 or RX 6400 — optimal in terms of price and performance.
5. Advice: Don’t invest in expensive peripherals for this platform. The build is a temporary solution.
Conclusion: Who is the Athlon X4 870K Suitable For?
Consider this processor if:
- Your budget is severely limited ($200-300 for the entire build).
- You need a PC for basic tasks or upgrading an old FM2+ system.
- You do not plan to run modern games or heavy applications.
Alternative: For the same $200-250, you can build a PC based on a used Intel Core i5-8400 + H310 motherboard — higher performance and DDR4 support.
Final Thoughts
The Athlon X4 870K in 2025 is a niche option for enthusiasts or those who critically need to save money. For most users, it makes more sense to opt for more modern platforms, but if you're building a "time machine" for nostalgic games or simple tasks — this CPU can still surprise.