AMD Athlon X4 950
AMD Athlon X4 950: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks
April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, Performance
Code Name and Architecture
The AMD Athlon X4 950 is built on the Bristol Ridge architecture, which is part of the Excavator generation (2016). This is one of the last architectures from AMD before the transition to Zen. Despite the outdated 28-nm process technology, the processor remains relevant in the budget segment due to its low price (around $55–65 for a new unit in 2025).
Cores, Threads, and Clock Frequencies
- 4 cores / 4 threads without support for SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading).
- Base frequency: 3.5 GHz, maximum in turbo mode: 3.8 GHz.
- L2 Cache: 2 MB (512 KB per pair of cores).
Performance
According to Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core: 656 points — sufficient for office tasks and web surfing.
- Multi-Core: 1637 points — suitable for light multitasking (e.g., working with documents + streaming video).
Key Features
- Support for DDR4-2400 MHz (relevant for budget builds).
- Low power consumption (TDP 65W), making cooling easier.
- Compatibility with the AM4 socket, granting access to affordable motherboards.
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The Athlon X4 950 uses the AM4 socket but only supports the A320, B350, and X370 chipsets. These boards are mainly sold on the secondary market now, but new A320 models can still be found for $50–70.
Features and Choices
- A320 — basic option without overclocking. Suitable for strictly budget builds.
- B350/X370 — allow for overclocking memory, but the processor itself does not support overclocking.
- Important: Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version before installing the processor.
Example Boards
- ASRock A320M-HDV ($55): Minimal ports but reliable performance.
- Gigabyte GA-AB350M-DS3H V2 ($70): Better suited for upgrades due to support for more powerful Ryzen processors.
3. Supported Memory
- Memory Type: Only DDR4 (does not support DDR5).
- Maximum Frequency: 2400 MHz (officially), but on B350/X370 boards, it can be overclocked to 2666–2933 MHz.
- Modes: Dual-channel configuration is essential to unlock potential. For example, 2x8 GB DDR4-2400 will yield a 15–20% performance boost in games and applications compared to single-channel mode.
Recommendations
- Optimal amount: 8–16 GB.
- Budget modules: Crucial DDR4-2400 8 GB ($25 each).
4. Power Supplies: Calculation and Recommendations
Power
- The processor itself consumes up to 65W, but considering the graphics card and other components:
- Integrated Graphics: None (a discrete graphics card is required).
- For a system with a GTX 1650 (75W) graphics card, a power supply of 400–450W will suffice.
- Example: EVGA 450 BR ($45, 80+ Bronze).
Tips
- Avoid cheap no-name power supplies — they may be unstable under load.
- If you plan to upgrade to a more powerful CPU/GPU, opt for a PSU with some headroom (for example, 500–550W).
5. Pros and Cons
Pros
- Price: One of the cheapest 4-core processors ($55–65).
- Energy Efficiency: Suitable for compact cases with passive cooling.
- Compatibility: Works with Windows 10/11 and Linux operating systems.
Cons
- Outdated Architecture: Falls behind even budget Ryzen 3 5300G in multitasking.
- No Integrated Graphics: Requires a separate graphics card.
- Limited Upgrade Path: Only processors up to the Ryzen 3000 series (on some boards) can be installed on the same AM4 socket.
6. Use Cases
- Office Tasks: Document work, web browsing, Zoom.
- Multimedia: Streaming video (1080p), basic editing in Shotcut.
- Light Gaming: CS:GO, Dota 2, Minecraft (60 FPS on low settings with a GTX 1050 Ti level GPU).
- Home Server: Energy-efficient solution for NAS or media center.
Real Example
A Reddit user built a PC with Athlon X4 950, GTX 1650, and 16 GB DDR4 to play World of Warcraft Classic. Result: 50–60 FPS at medium settings.
7. Comparison with Competitors
- Intel Pentium Gold G6600 ($75):
- 2 cores / 4 threads, but higher IPC (single-core Geekbench ~750).
- Better for single-core sensitive tasks, but worse in multitasking.
- AMD Athlon 3000G ($60):
- 2 cores / 4 threads, but has integrated Vega 3 graphics. Suitable for systems without a discrete graphics card.
Conclusion: Athlon X4 950 only outperforms competitors in scenarios where 4 physical cores matter (e.g., rendering simple projects).
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- SSD is a must: Install an NVMe or SATA SSD for the OS (e.g., Kingston A400 240 GB, $30).
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation, consider the Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T ($20).
- Graphics Card: Choose models without additional power (e.g., GTX 1650).
- Plan for Upgrades: If getting a B350 board, you can later install a Ryzen 5 3600.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon X4 950 For?
This processor is worth considering for:
1. Budget Users: For an office PC or home theater.
2. Enthusiast Experimenters: As a temporary solution before purchasing Ryzen.
3. Older System Owners: For upgrading an AM4 PC without replacing the motherboard.
Why Not to Buy?
If you need performance in modern games or work with heavy applications (Blender, Photoshop), it's better to add $50–70 and opt for the Ryzen 3 5300G.
Conclusion
The AMD Athlon X4 950 in 2025 is a niche processor for a very limited scope of tasks. Its main advantages are price and minimal power consumption requirements. However, for most users, even budget Ryzen or Intel Pentium options will be a more worthwhile investment.