AMD E1-1500
AMD E1-1500: Review of an Outdated APU for Undemanding Tasks
Introduction
The AMD E1-1500 processor, released in 2012, was positioned as a budget solution for compact PCs and multimedia devices. Thirteen years later, its relevance is questioned, but it may still find use in niche scenarios in 2025. Let's take a look at its features, compatibility, and potential in today’s landscape.
Key Specifications
Architecture and Process Technology
The E1-1500 APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) belongs to the Zacate platform, built on the Bobcat microarchitecture. It features a 40nm chip with two cores operating at a frequency of 1.48 GHz (without Turbo Boost). The integrated graphics is the Radeon HD 7310 with 80 stream processors and a clock speed of up to 500 MHz.
Key Features:
- Integration of CPU and GPU on a single die — a rare occurrence for budget solutions of the 2010s.
- Low power consumption (TDP of 18W) — suitable for passive cooling.
- Support for AMD PowerNow! technologies for energy efficiency.
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 109 (Single-Core), 191 (Multi-Core). For comparison, a modern budget Intel N100 scores about ~800/2200 points.
- The integrated graphics can handle 1080p video, but 2020s games (even titles like Minecraft) run at minimum settings with 10-15 FPS.
Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The E1-1500 uses the BGA-413 — a non-removable socket, meaning the processor is soldered onto the motherboard. This limits upgrades and repairs.
Popular Platforms:
- A50M Chipset (Hudson-M1) — basic support for USB 2.0, SATA II, PCIe 2.0.
- Ready-made solutions: mini-PCs (e.g., HP t610) and thin clients.
Choosing Considerations:
- No new motherboards for the E1-1500 are manufactured. As of 2025, only used or refurbished devices are available.
- Look for compact Mini-ITX boards with the processor already soldered.
Supported Memory Types
The E1-1500 works with single-channel DDR3L-1066 MHz.
- Maximum Capacity: 8 GB (4 GB recommended for stability).
- DDR4/DDR5 not supported — this is the main limitation for upgrades.
Tip: Use two 2 GB sticks to activate pseudo-dual-channel mode (improves graphics performance by 10-15%).
Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 18 W, a system based on the E1-1500 consumes approximately 40-60 W (accounting for storage and memory).
- Power Supply: Models rated at 150-200 W are sufficient (e.g., FSP Flex ATX 200W).
- Ready-made mini-PCs often use external adapters rated at 65-90 W.
Important: Don't skimp on the PSU for older systems — poor-quality units can damage components.
Pros and Cons of AMD E1-1500
Advantages
1. Energy Efficiency: Ideal for 24/7 operation (home server, media center).
2. Quiet Operation: Can use passive cooling or a miniature cooler.
3. Price: Ready-made systems cost $50-80 (new equivalents start from $150).
Disadvantages
1. Weak Performance: Struggles even with the Chrome browser when 10+ tabs are open.
2. Outdated Interfaces: No USB 3.0, SATA III, HDMI 2.0.
3. No Upgrade Potential: BGA socket and DDR3 make it a dead-end platform.
Use Cases
1. Office Tasks
- Suitable for: Document work (LibreOffice), email, video calls (Zoom on low settings).
- User Experience: An owner of a mini-PC with the E1-1500 noted that the system "lags" when running both the browser and Excel simultaneously.
2. Multimedia
- Video: Streaming 1080p via VLC or Kodi (but H.265 and 4K are not supported).
- Music/Photos: Basic photo viewing in Lightroom — only simple operations.
3. Gaming
- Realistic Options: Stardew Valley, Terraria, games from before 2010 (Half-Life 2, Sims 2).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD E1-1500 vs Intel Atom N2800 (2012)
- CPU Performance: Approximately equal (Geekbench 6: Atom — 95/180).
- Graphics: Radeon HD 7310 outperforms Intel GMA 3600.
- Power Consumption: Both have TDP of 18 W.
AMD E1-1500 vs Intel Celeron J3455 (2016)
- Celeron J3455 (Gemini Lake) surpasses the E1-1500 by 3-4 times in CPU and GPU performance.
- Price: Mini-PCs with J3455 start at $120 (new).
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Operating System:
- Windows 10 LTSC or Linux (Lubuntu, Xubuntu).
- Avoid Windows 11 — there won't be enough power.
2. Storage: An SSD (even SATA II) is essential — reduces boot time.
3. Cooling: Check the thermal paste — it often dries out in older systems.
4. Memory: 4-8 GB DDR3L — more is not meaningful.
Final Conclusion: Who is the AMD E1-1500 for?
This processor should be considered only in two scenarios:
1. Budget under $100: Need a PC for document printing, watching YouTube, or using the terminal.
2. Retro Computing Enthusiasts: Building a mini-PC in 2010s style for experimentation.
2025 Alternatives:
- New mini-PCs based on Intel N100 (starting at $150) — five times more powerful, with HDMI 2.0 and NVMe support.
- Raspberry Pi 5 — similar price, better optimization for Linux.
Conclusion
The AMD E1-1500 is an example of outdated hardware that can still serve in extremely limited conditions. In 2025, purchasing it is justified only for specific tasks or as a temporary solution. For most users, it would be wiser to invest in modern budget platforms.