AMD A10-7890K

AMD A10-7890K: Review of an Obsolete but Still Relevant APU for Budget Systems (2025)

Key Specifications: Architecture, Manufacturing Process, and Key Features

Godaveri Architecture and 28 nm Process

The AMD A10-7890K, released in 2016, is based on the Godaveri microarchitecture (an evolution of Piledriver). This is the last generation of AMD processors with a modular Bulldozer structure, where two integer cores share the resources of a single module. The manufacturing process is 28 nm, which is considered outdated by 2025 (modern chips use 5-7 nm). This limits energy efficiency and transistor density but keeps the production cost of the processor low.

Key Parameters:

- 4 cores / 4 threads (no SMT support).

- Base clock: 4.1 GHz, turbo mode up to 4.3 GHz.

- TDP: 95 W.

- Integrated graphics Radeon R7 (512 streams, 866 MHz).

- Support for DDR3-2133 MHz.

Performance in 2025

According to Geekbench 6 tests (the version relevant for 2025):

- Single-core score: 546 - comparable to Intel Core i3-6100 (2015).

- Multi-core score: 1314 - on par with Ryzen 3 1200 (2017).

The integrated Radeon R7 graphics show modest results:

- CS:GO at 720p (Low) - 45-60 FPS.

- Minecraft (without shaders) - 50-70 FPS.

Highlights:

- Overclocking capability (unlocked multiplier).

- Support for Mantle API and DirectX 12 - relevant for older games.

- TrueAudio technology for enhanced sound in games.

Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets

FM2+ Socket

The processor uses the outdated FM2+ socket, which limits the choice of motherboards. No new FM2+ boards are being produced in 2025, but the following models are available on the second-hand market:

- ASUS A88X-Pro (A88X chipset) - priced around $50-70 (used).

- Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H - around $40-60 (used).

- MSI A78M-E35 - around $30-50 (used).

Chipsets:

- A88X: Overclocking support, USB 3.0, SATA III.

- A78/A55: Basic features, no overclocking.

Selection Features:

- Look for boards with VRM coolers for stable overclocking.

- Check BIOS support - some boards may require updates.

- Pay attention to the presence of HDMI/DVI for monitor connections.

Memory Support: Only DDR3

The A10-7890K works only with DDR3-2133 MHz. This is a significant drawback in 2025, as DDR3 lags behind DDR4/DDR5 in speed (up to 17 GB/s vs. 25+ GB/s) and energy efficiency.

Recommendations:

- Use dual-channel kits (2×4 GB or 2×8 GB) to enhance graphics performance.

- Look for memory with low timings (CL9-CL11).

- Example: Kingston HyperX Fury 1866 MHz (compatible, but can overclock to 2133 MHz).

Power Supply: Calculations and Recommendations

Considering a TDP of 95 W and integrated graphics, the minimum PSU power is 400-450 W (if no discrete graphics card is used). For systems with a GTX 1650-level GPU, choose a PSU 500-550 W.

Examples of 2025 models:

- Corsair CV450 (450 W, 80+ Bronze) - $55-65.

- be quiet! System Power 10 550W - $70-80.

Important:

- Don't skimp on the PSU - cheap models may perform unstably under overclocking.

- If you plan to upgrade, choose a PSU with extra power capacity.

Pros and Cons of the AMD A10-7890K

Advantages

1. Low price: New FM2+ processors are not produced in 2025, but used A10-7890K can be found for $30-50.

2. Integrated graphics: Suitable for basic gaming and multimedia without a discrete GPU.

3. Overclocking potential: With good cooling, CPU/GPU frequencies can increase by 10-15%.

Disadvantages

1. Outdated architecture: Falls short against even budget Ryzen 3 5300G in multi-threaded tasks.

2. Limited memory support: DDR3 is a bottleneck for performance.

3. High power consumption: 95 W compared to 65 W for modern APUs.

Usage Scenarios: Where the A10-7890K is Still Relevant

1. Office PCs: Document work, browsing, Zoom - the processor handles it without lag.

2. Media centers: Playback of 4K video via HDMI (with hardware decoding support).

3. Light gaming: Indies (Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight), older AAA titles (Skyrim, GTA V on low settings).

4. Backup systems: For home automation servers or routers.

Real Experience: A user from Brazil built a budget PC based on the A10-7890K for study purposes with 16 GB of DDR3 and an SSD. The system runs Visual Studio Code and Chrome with 10+ tabs without sluggishness.

Comparison with Competitors

1. Intel Core i3-10100 (4C/8T):

- New price: $120-130.

- Geekbench 6: 1100/4000.

- Pros: DDR4, modern chipsets. Cons: Requires a discrete GPU.

2. Ryzen 5 5600G (6C/12T):

- New price: $150-170.

- Geekbench 6: 1600/7500.

- Pros: Vega 7 graphics, PCIe 4.0.

Conclusion: The A10-7890K is only advantageous in a total budget of up to $100 for the whole build.

Practical Assembly Tips

1. Cooling: The stock cooler is insufficient for overclocking - consider a DeepCool Gammaxx 400 (~$25).

2. Storage: Always use SSDs (for example, Kingston A400 240GB - $30).

3. Case: Choose models with good ventilation (Zalman S2 - $40).

4. Upgrade: Don’t invest in FM2+ - this platform is obsolete. Consider switching to AM4/AM5.

Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the A10-7890K?

This processor should only be considered in cases of:

- Extremely budget-friendly builds (up to $200) for office or media center use.

- Upgrading an old FM2+ PC without changing the motherboard.

- Experimenting with overclocking for educational purposes.

Alternatives in 2025: For $100-150, you can buy a used Ryzen 3 3200G or Intel Core i3-12100F with DDR4, which will provide 2-3 times better performance.

If you're not constrained by budget - opt for modern platforms. But if your goal is to revitalize an old computer or build a "workhorse" on a budget, the A10-7890K still has its place.