AMD E2-1800
AMD E2-1800: Outdated, yet Alive. A Complete Breakdown of the Processor for Compact Systems
Relevant as of April 2025
Key Specifications: Architecture and Features
The AMD E2-1800 processor, released in 2012, belongs to the Accelerated Processing Units (APU) line, code-named Zacate. This hybrid solution combines two CPU cores and integrated Radeon HD 7340 graphics. Let's take a look at its key parameters:
- Process technology: 40 nm (outdated even for 2025).
- Cores/threads: 2/2 with a base frequency of 1.7 GHz.
- TDP: 18 W — a main advantage for energy-efficient systems.
- Graphics: Radeon HD 7340 with 80 stream processors (DirectX 11, OpenGL 4.4).
- Performance: Geekbench 6 Single-Core — 119, Multi-Core — 202. For comparison, a modern budget Intel Celeron N5105 scores around ~800/1800 points.
Key Features:
- Minimal power consumption — suitable for passive cooling.
- Compact form factor — the chip is integrated into mini-ITX format boards.
- Support for hardware decoding of 1080p video (H.264, VC-1).
Compatible Motherboards: What to Look for in 2025?
The processor uses the outdated FT1 socket (BGA-413), which means:
- Motherboards for the E2-1800 were produced only between 2011-2013 (e.g., ASUS E35M1-M PRO).
- No new boards for this CPU are being manufactured in 2025. The only option is to look for leftovers in warehouses or revision models. The average price is $40-60 (e.g., ASRock E2C100D).
Chipsets:
- A50M (Hudson-M1) — supports USB 2.0, SATA II, PCIe 2.0.
- A55E (Hudson-E) — similar functionality but with improved energy efficiency.
Tip: Due to the limited selection of boards, pay attention to the availability of HDMI/DVI ports and support for USB 3.0 via third-party controllers.
Memory: Limitations of an Outdated Platform
The E2-1800 only works with DDR3L-1333 MHz memory in single-channel mode.
- Maximum capacity: 8 GB (2 slots × 4 GB).
- Compatibility with DDR4/DDR5: No.
- Recommendations: Use low-voltage modules (1.35 V) to reduce heat. For example, Kingston KVR13LSE9/4 (4 GB, $12).
Important: In 2025, DDR3 is considered outdated — new modules are seldom produced. Prices for them are higher than for DDR4 ($15-20 for 8 GB).
Power Supply: Minimum Watts — Maximum Reliability
With a TDP of 18 W, a system based on the E2-1800 consumes no more than 50-60 W under load (including SSDs, memory, and peripherals).
Recommendations:
- Power supplies of 150-300 W: For example, be quiet! SFX Power 3 (300 W, $45) for compact cases.
- Passive PSUs: Solutions like PicoPSU-90 (90 W, $60) are suitable for silent media centers.
Beginner's Mistake: Using a PSU rated at 500+ W. This is excessive and will not improve performance.
Pros and Cons: Who is the E2-1800 Relevant for in 2025?
Pros:
- Energy efficiency: Ideal for 24/7 operation (home server, digital signage).
- Price: A complete build (motherboard + CPU + 4 GB RAM) will cost around $80-100.
- Quiet operation: Passive cooling is possible even in a book-sized case.
Cons:
- Weak performance: It struggles with a browser open on 10+ tabs or 4K video.
- Outdated interfaces: No USB 3.2, NVMe, HDMI 2.0.
- No upgrade potential: The FT1 socket is incompatible with other CPUs.
Usage Scenarios: Where is the E2-1800 Still Alive?
1. Office tasks: Document work (LibreOffice), email, Zoom (on low settings).
2. Media center: Playback of 1080p through Kodi or Plex (but not 4K!).
3. Educational projects: A terminal for school labs (e.g., studying Linux).
Real-world experience:
A user from Brazil built a system on the E2-1800 to manage a 3D printer through OctoPrint. The CPU performs adequately if the graphical interface is disabled.
Comparison with Competitors
1. Intel Atom N2800 (2012):
- Geekbench 6: 98/165 — weaker than the E2-1800.
- Pros: Better support for Linux.
- Price: $25-30 for used sets.
2. Raspberry Pi 5 (2023):
- Geekbench 6: ~450/900 — four times faster.
- Pros: HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0, support for DDR4.
- Cons: Lacks x86 architecture (issues with Windows).
3. Intel Celeron N4000 (2025, new):
- Price: $120 for a ready-made mini-PC.
- Geekbench 6: ~800/1500 — an optimal choice for those prioritizing speed.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Case: Choose models with passive cooling (e.g., Akasa Euler S).
2. Storage: Only SSDs (e.g., Kingston A400 120 GB, $18). HDDs will slow down the system.
3. OS:
- Linux: Xubuntu or Lubuntu.
- Windows: Only 32-bit 10/11 (but better to use Windows 8.1).
Sample Build:
- Motherboard with E2-1800: $50.
- DDR3L 4 GB: $12.
- SSD 120 GB: $18.
- Power supply: $45.
- Case: $30.
Total: $155.
Conclusion: Who is the AMD E2-1800 Suitable for in 2025?
This processor is a choice for:
- Enthusiasts building retro computers.
- Budget projects where price is more important than speed (e.g., information kiosks).
- Educational purposes, studying x86 architecture without risking damage to expensive hardware.
Why not to choose the E2-1800:
If you need to work with modern applications or multitasking — even the Raspberry Pi 5 would be a better choice. However, as an artifact of the APU era or a foundation for niche tasks — this chip will still find its fans.