AMD Athlon 5150

AMD Athlon 5150: A Budget Solution for Basic Tasks in 2025

(Relevant as of April 2025)

Key Features: Architecture and Performance

The AMD Athlon 5150 processor, released in 2014 based on the Jaguar microarchitecture (code name Kabini), remains a niche solution for ultra-budget builds. Despite its age, it can still be found for sale as part of new OEM systems or as leftovers from stock.

Technical Specifications:

- Manufacturing Process: 28 nm (outdated for 2025, but ensuring low power consumption).

- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no support for SMT/Hyper-Threading).

- Base Clock Speed: 1.6 GHz, no Turbo Boost.

- Integrated Graphics: Radeon R3 128CU (128 shader processors at a frequency of 600 MHz).

- TDP: 25 W — ideal for passive cooling or compact cases.

- Performance:

- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 182 (comparable to Intel Atom x5-Z8350).

- Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 518 (close to modern dual-core Celerons).

Key Features:

- Extremely low price (new processors starting at $40).

- Virtualization support (AMD-V).

- Integrated GPU for basic tasks.

Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets

The Athlon 5150 uses the AM1 socket, which was phased out in 2016. In 2025, finding new motherboards is challenging, but some online stores offer remaining stock:

- Chipsets: A68H (supports USB 3.0, SATA 3.0).

- Examples of Boards: ASUS AM1M-A, Gigabyte GA-AM1M-S2H (prices — $50–70, if available).

- Selection Features:

- Minimum ports: 2 DDR3 slots, 1x PCIe x16 (version 2.0), 4x SATA.

- It is recommended to choose boards with HDMI for connection to modern monitors.

Supported Memory

Memory Type: DDR3L-1600 (with a voltage of 1.35 V).

Maximum Capacity: 32 GB (but due to chipset limitations, typically 16 GB).

Important! Despite requests for DDR4/DDR5 compatibility, the processor does not support DDR4/DDR5. This is a common mistake when selecting components for AM1.

Power Supply Recommendations

With a TDP of 25 W, the Athlon 5150 is one of the most energy-efficient CPUs. Even with other components included:

- Minimum Configuration (without discrete graphics): PSU in the 150–200 W range (e.g., FSP Flex-300).

- With some headroom: 300–400 W (if an upgrade is planned).

- Examples:

- Be Quiet! SFX Power 3 300W ($45).

- Corsair CV450 ($55).

Pros and Cons of Athlon 5150

Pros:

- Ultra-low system cost.

- Energy efficiency (suitable for NAS or media center).

- 4K support via HDMI (with a limitation: 24 Hz).

Cons:

- Low performance in 2025 (not suitable for Windows 11 or heavy applications).

- Lack of NVMe, USB 3.1, Wi-Fi 6 support.

- Limited availability of new motherboards.

Use Cases

1. Office Tasks:

- Document work, browsing (up to 5 tabs), video calls (720p).

- Example: A build based on Athlon 5150 + 8 GB DDR3 + 240 GB SSD will cost around $100–150.

2. Multimedia:

- Watching video in 1080p (4K will lag).

- Connecting to a TV via HDMI (Kodi, Plex).

3. Light Gaming:

- Older titles: Half-Life 2, Minecraft (Low settings, 30–40 FPS).

- Integrated R3 graphics are on par with Intel HD Graphics 4000.

4. Server Tasks:

- Home NAS or router based on Linux (OpenMediaVault, pfSense).

Comparison with Competitors

In 2025, the Athlon 5150 competes with used solutions, but for new systems, the following are relevant:

- Intel Celeron J6412 ($80):

- 4 cores, 4 threads, TDP 10 W.

- Twice the performance in Geekbench 6.

- DDR4 support.

- AMD Athlon 3000G ($90):

- 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3.

- Compatibility with AM4 and DDR4.

Summary: The Athlon 5150 only wins in price but significantly lags in performance.

Practical Assembly Tips

1. Choosing an OS:

- Linux (Lubuntu, Xubuntu) — for maximum speed.

- Windows 10 LTSC — if software compatibility is needed.

2. Storage:

- SSD is a must (Kingston A400 240 GB — $25).

3. Cooling:

- Passive cooler (Noctua NH-L9a) or standard box cooler.

4. Case:

- Compact Mini-ITX (InWin Chopin — $90).

Final Conclusion: Who is the Athlon 5150 Suitable For?

This processor is a choice for those who:

- Are building a cheap PC for browsing the internet and office use.

- Need a quiet system (for instance, for a home theater).

- Are experimenting with building a NAS using old components.

Alternative: If the budget allows for $150–200, it’s better to choose modern Celerons or the Athlon 3000G. However, for ultra-budget tasks, the Athlon 5150 remains a justified option in 2025.

Prices are for new devices as of April 2025. Availability of components should be confirmed with suppliers.