AMD E1-1200
AMD E1-1200: Review of an Obsolete Processor for Compact Systems
April 2025
Key Features: Architecture, Process Technology, and Performance
The AMD E1-1200 processor, released in 2012, belongs to the budget APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) lineup, codenamed Zacate. It is built on the Bobcat microarchitecture, which focuses on low power consumption and compact devices.
- Process Technology: 40 nm.
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 2 threads. Base frequency — 1.4 GHz, without Turbo Boost support.
- Graphics: Integrated GPU Radeon HD 7310 with 80 stream processors and a frequency of up to 500 MHz.
- Performance: Geekbench 6 results — 102 (Single-Core) and 177 (Multi-Core). For comparison, a modern budget Intel Celeron N5105 scores around 800/2000 points.
- TDP: 18 W.
Key Features:
- Compact thermal output.
- Built-in graphics capable of decoding 1080p video.
- Support for AMD PowerNow! technologies for energy saving.
Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The AMD E1-1200 utilizes the outdated Socket FT1 (BGA-413), meaning it has a non-removable installation on the board. This is typical for compact systems (nettops, mini-PCs).
Examples of Motherboards:
- ASUS E35M1-M PRO (A50M chipset).
- MSI MS-9C86 (for mini-PCs).
Selection Features:
- In 2025, new FT1 motherboards are hardly produced. Only old stock remains on the market (price $50-80).
- Most systems with the E1-1200 are ready-made OEM solutions (e.g., HP Compaq 8200 Elite).
Supported Memory: DDR3 and Limitations
The processor works only with DDR3 memory (single-channel mode, frequency up to 1066 MHz).
Recommendations:
- Maximum capacity — 16 GB (theoretically), but in practice, boards rarely support more than 8 GB.
- DDR4/DDR5 are not compatible due to architectural limitations.
Power Supply: Minimum Requirements
Given the 18 W TDP and integrated graphics, a system based on the E1-1200 consumes 30-50 W under load.
Tips:
- A power supply of 150-200 W is sufficient (e.g., FSP Group FSP200-50HMN).
- For systems with HDD and optical drive — 250-300 W (Corsair CV450).
- It’s important to choose a PSU with an 80 Plus certification (efficiency of 80% or more) to reduce heat in compact cases.
Pros and Cons: When to Choose E1-1200?
Pros:
- Energy efficiency: Suitable for systems with passive cooling.
- Low cost: New OEM systems start at $100.
- Quiet operation: Ideal for media centers.
Cons:
- Weak performance: Struggles even with the Chrome browser when handling 10+ tabs.
- Outdated interfaces: No USB 3.0, SATA III, PCIe 2.0.
- Limited OS support: Windows 10 is the last compatible version.
Usage Scenarios: What is the Processor Good For?
1. Office Tasks: Working with documents (LibreOffice), email, low-resolution video calls.
2. Multimedia: Viewing HD video through VLC or Kodi (hardware decoding H.264).
3. Retro Gaming: Running games from the 2000s (e.g., Half-Life 2 on low settings).
4. Thin Client: Connecting to cloud services or remote desktop.
Real Experience:
A user on Reddit noted that the E1-1200 performs well as a media center running LibreELEC, but lags when launching Netflix via a browser.
Comparison with Competitors: What Was on the Market?
1. Intel Atom D2700 (2011):
- Pros: Better Linux support.
- Cons: Weaker graphics (Intel GMA 3650).
2. AMD C-60 (1.0 GHz, Radeon HD 6290):
- Pros: Lower price.
- Cons: Even slower cores.
3. Raspberry Pi 5 (2023):
- Pros: Pricing starts at $60, supports HDMI 2.1, power consumption of 5 W.
- Cons: Lack of x86 architecture limits software compatibility.
Assembly Tips: How to Optimize Your System?
1. SSD over HDD: Kingston A400 120 GB ($20) will speed up OS boot times.
2. Minimalism: 4 GB DDR3, Linux (Lubuntu) instead of Windows.
3. Cooling: Passive cooler (e.g., Alpine M1).
4. Case: A compact Mini-ITX (InWin Chopin).
Warning:
Due to the lack of new motherboards, building a PC "from scratch" is almost impossible. It’s better to look for used systems (e.g., Dell OptiPlex 3010) for $70-120.
Final Conclusion: Who is the E1-1200 Suitable For?
This processor is an option for very limited scenarios:
- Retro PC Enthusiasts: Building a budget media center or terminal.
- Offices with Outdated Software: Working with text and spreadsheets.
- Educational Projects: Learning the basics of computer literacy.
Why Not to Choose in 2025?
Even budget processors like the Intel N100 (Geekbench 6: 1200/3500, priced at $120) offer ten times the performance with a similar TDP.
Conclusion
The AMD E1-1200 is an example of early 2010s technology that is now morally obsolete. It is only recommended as a temporary solution for specific tasks or as a collectible for enthusiasts. In the era of ARM chips and efficient x86 processors (Intel Alder Lake-N, AMD Ryzen Embedded), investments in Zacate systems are justified only in exceptional cases.