AMD PRO A6-8550B
AMD PRO A6-8550B: A Comprehensive Review of the Outdated APU for Budget Systems (2025)
April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Features
Godaveri Code and 28 nm: An Outdated Platform
The AMD PRO A6-8550B is an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit with integrated graphics) released in 2015. It is based on the Excavator microarchitecture, which was considered a compromise between price and performance even at launch. The manufacturing process is 28 nm, which feels archaic in 2025, as modern processors use 5–7 nm nodes.
Cores and Threads: 2 cores / 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with turbo mode up to 4.0 GHz. This is sufficient for simple tasks (office work, web surfing), but multi-threaded applications (rendering, streaming) will perform extremely slowly.
Integrated Graphics: Radeon R5 (GCN 1.2 series) with 256 shader processors and a frequency of 800 MHz. This level is suitable for basic gaming at 720p resolution (for example, CS:GO at low settings yields 30–40 FPS).
TDP: 65 W — a modest figure, but the energy efficiency is lower than that of modern 7 nm APUs (for instance, the Ryzen 3 5300G).
Key Features:
- Support for virtualization via AMD-V.
- Cool’n’Quiet energy-saving technologies.
- Data protection through AMD Secure Processor.
2. Compatible Motherboards: FM2+ and Limitations
FM2+ Socket: Searching for Rare Boards
The processor uses the FM2+ socket, which was relevant until 2017. In 2025, new motherboards with this socket are no longer being manufactured. Availability can only be found on the secondary market or from leftover stock.
Chipsets:
- A68H: A budget option with support for USB 3.0 and SATA III.
- A88X: An advanced chipset with overclocking capabilities and CrossFire support.
Examples of Models:
- ASUS A68HM-K (price in 2025 — $40–60 for a new one, if you can find it).
- Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H (rare models start at $70).
Selection Tips:
- Ensure the BIOS is updated to a version that supports the PRO A6-8550B (processor release date — 2015).
- Check for HDMI/DVI availability for connecting a monitor via integrated graphics.
3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The processor is compatible with DDR3-2133 MHz (dual-channel mode). Maximum capacity is up to 64 GB, but in practice, FM2+ boards rarely support more than 32 GB.
Recommendations:
- Use 2 modules of 4–8 GB to activate dual-channel mode (for example, Kingston HyperX Fury 8GBx2 DDR3-1866, $25–30 for the set).
- DDR3L (low voltage) is compatible but does not provide any performance benefits.
Important: DDR4/DDR5 are not supported — this is a crucial limitation for upgrades.
4. Power Supply: Minimum 400 W
With a TDP of 65 W and without a discrete graphics card, a PSU of 300–350 W will suffice (for example, be quiet! System Power 10 350W, $40).
Scenarios with Discrete Graphics:
- If you add a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 (TDP 75 W), you'll need a PSU of 450–500 W (Corsair CX450 — $55).
Advice: Do not use powerful GPUs (like the RTX 3060) — the processor will become a "bottleneck."
5. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price (new processors are $50–60).
- Integrated graphics for basic tasks.
- Energy efficiency for office PCs.
Cons:
- Outdated architecture: lagging behind the Ryzen 3 5300G by 3–4 times.
- 2 cores: multitasking issues.
- No support for modern standards (PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2).
6. Usage Scenarios
Office and Multimedia
- Document Work: Microsoft Office, browser with 10+ tabs.
- Video Playback: 4K via YouTube (with FPS drops).
- Home Theater: Connect to TV via HDMI.
Gaming
- CS:GO: 720p, low settings — 30–40 FPS.
- Dota 2: 720p, minimum settings — 25–35 FPS.
- Indie Projects (Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley) — stable 60 FPS.
Work Tasks
- Photo Editors: Photoshop with light filters.
- Programming: Working in IDEs (IntelliJ, VS Code) without heavy builds.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Pentium G4560 (2017):
- 2 cores / 4 threads, HD Graphics 610.
- CPU performance is 15% higher, graphics weaker.
- Price (2025) — $60–70.
AMD Athlon 3000G (2019):
- 2 cores / 4 threads, Vega 3.
- Supports DDR4 and AM4 socket.
- GPU performance is 40% higher.
- Price — $80–90.
Conclusion: The A6-8550B falls behind even budget models from 2019–2020.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- SSD is essential: Kingston A400 240 GB ($30) will speed up system boot time.
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replace the thermal paste (Arctic MX-4 — $5).
- Motherboard: Look for models with USB 3.0 and HDMI (ASUS A68HM-K).
- Upgrade: Consider switching to AM4 (Ryzen 3 5300G) if the budget allows.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the A6-8550B For?
This processor is relevant only for:
- Super budget builds ($150–200) where every dollar counts.
- Office PCs with no performance demands.
- Retro systems or backup computers.
Why It's Better to Choose an Alternative:
- For $100–150, you can buy a used Ryzen 3 2200G with an AM4 platform, DDR4, and PCIe 3.0.
- New Intel N100 PCs ($200) offer better energy efficiency and support for modern interfaces.
Final Thought: In 2025, the AMD PRO A6-8550B is a choice for enthusiasts or those on an extremely limited budget. For most users, more modern solutions are preferable.