When assembling any computer, users have a question related to which processor from which manufacturer is better to take. If money allows, then you can buy Intel, but if you want to save money and at the same time not lose too much in performance (and even win in some ways), then you should pay attention to AMD processors. In today's review, we will consider some very interesting options for different occasions. Let's get started!
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+
The AMD processor 64 Athlon X2 6000+ opens today's list. This is a pretty old "pebble", which appeared back in 2007. Nevertheless, if there is no money to build a modern system, but you still want to upgrade without a change in hardware, then you can pay attention to this option.
Description and specifications
One thing should be said right away: it is unprofitable to assemble a system from scratch on this processor - the costs will not justify the investments. But for those who have a motherboard on the AM2 socket and DDR2 memory, X2 6000+ will be just right.
So, as mentioned above, this processor is designed for motherboards with an AM2 socket. Despite the fact that there are only 2 cores, the processor runs at a fairly high frequency - 3 GHz. Its overclocking potential is small, and in the best scenario, the maximum that you can squeeze out is 150-250 MHz.
The main problem of the “pebble” is increased heat dissipation, so a good cooler is required.
You should not expect anything extraordinary from the processor - this is an excellent workhorse for home use, which, by the way, may well make it possible to play some modern games, such as GTA 5, Doom, and others. The graphics settings will have to be set to a minimum. In rare cases, you can leave the medium ones, but this is still better than nothing at all.
So AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is a very suitable option for upgrading an old system.
It's time to talk about the technical characteristics of the processor. Here they are:
- The number of cores is 2.
- The processor frequency is 3 GHz.
- Socket - AM2.
- Level 1 L1 cache - 2 x 128 Kb.
- Cache of the 2nd level L2 - 2 x 1024 Kb.
- Level 3 cache L3 - no.
- Voltage - 1.35-1.4 V.
- Heat Dissipation (TDW) - 125 watts.
- Max. temperature - from 55 to 63 gr.
- Instructions - MMX, 3DNow !, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, x86-64.
- Supported technologies - Cool'n'Quiet, Enhanced Virus Protection.
Reviews
User reviews about this processor in most cases are positive. Many note high CPU performance, despite the fact that it has only 2 cores. As the main disadvantage, strong heating is mainly mentioned. The processor has no other serious disadvantages.
AMD Athlon II X2 240
Another very good budget AMD processor with 2 cores is the Athlon II X2 240. This CPU was developed for the next socket after AM2 - AM3. Despite the fact that there are only 2 cores, the “old man” Athlon II X2 240 is still relevant for creating an ultra-budget home assembly.
Description of the processor and its characteristics
What can be said about this processor? Well, for starters, it was released in 2009 and can still be found on sale in online stores. The AMD ATLON 2 X2 240 processor is intended for motherboards with an AM3 and AM2 + socket. It was performed using 45 nm technology, which significantly reduced the amount of heat - the very problem that has plagued most powerful red processors for so long.
Of the interesting features of the processor, it is worth noting the presence of a memory controller that works great with both DDR3 brackets and the previous generation DDR2. Thus, you can save a lot on hardware by taking, for example, the motherboard and memory from some flea market.
Another interesting feature of the Athlon II X2 240 is overclocking. Yes, even though there are 2 cores that operate at the stock frequency of 2.8 GHz, the processor can easily be overclocked to 3.5-3.8 GHz, which will allow you to get a pretty noticeable performance increase. Heating increases slightly, which also can not but rejoice.
In general, this processor is an excellent option for a very low-cost productive home assembly, which will allow you to use it not only as a multimedia or workstation, but also as a gaming one. Yes, Athlon II X2 240 allows you to easily play on average and minimum settings in most modern games, as well as in hits of past years, so not everything is so bad.
Characteristics of the AMD processor:
- The number of cores is 2.
- The processor frequency is 2.8 GHz.
- Socket - AM3 (AM2 +).
- Level 1 L1 cache - 2 x 128 Kb.
- L2 L2 cache - 2048 Kb.
- Level 3 cache L3 - no.
- Voltage - 0.87-1.4 V.
- Heat Dissipation (TDW) - 65 watts.
- Max. temperature - 73-74 gr.
- Instructions - MMX, 3DNow !, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4A, x 86-64.
- Supported technologies are Cool'n'Quiet 3.0, Enhanced Virus Protection, Virtualization Technology, Core C1 and C1E states, Package S0, S1, S3, S4 and S5 states.
User reviews
User reviews about this processor show that the Athlon II X2 240 turned out to be a very good and reliable “pebble”, which remains relevant even today. The processor is no problem suitable for a regular home PC, which will surf the Internet, watch movies and play games, and for the office or workhorse. There are no serious flaws in the X2 240, except for technical obsolescence every year, which will eventually force the processor to be replaced with something newer.
AMD FX-6300
The next AMD processor, which will be discussed, is the FX-6300. A few years ago, many wrote off the line of FX processors, saying that they are very hot, the performance is inferior to the new Intel, etc. However, recently the demand for these “stones” has only begun to grow, because every time there are more and more programs and games in which multithreading is involved and it is the number of cores that plays a large role.
FX-6300 Description and CPU Specifications
In general, the FX lineup is full of various options, from simple 4-core to real “hot” 8-core monsters. 6300, in fact, is a kind of strong middling, which is inexpensive, has 6 cores and demonstrates excellent performance.
The AMD-FX-6300 processor is designed for motherboards with an AM3 + socket. The CPU clock speed is 3.5 GHz. There is a proprietary Turbo Core function, which automatically allows you to increase the frequency to 4.1 GHz. An excellent result can also be achieved with manual overclocking, up to 4.7 GHz, but for this you need a very good Hi-end motherboard with cooling on mosfets and power circuits so that nothing burns out from heating and voltage. Unfortunately, such boards cost a lot of money, even at flea markets. But it is quite possible to get by with inexpensive solutions, however, in this case, overclocking will be limited to frequencies of 4.2-4.4 GHz.
In terms of performance, the FX-6300 will be very pleased with its owner. The processor can be safely used to work in serious programs for 3D graphics or video editing. In addition, it perfectly reveals the potential of most modern video cards, so it is also suitable for gamers. With it, you can play all modern games with maximum and high settings without any problems.
The disadvantages include only increased heat. The processor itself does not heat up slightly, but with constant loads, prolonged operation and especially during overclocking, it still needs good cooling. In addition, you will also need to take care of good ventilation inside the case itself - this also plays an important role.
Specifications FX-6300:
- The number of cores is 6.
- The processor frequency is 3.5 GHz.
- Socket - AM3 +.
- Cache of the 1st level L1 - 3 x 64 Kb, 6 x 1 6 Kb.
- L2 cache of the 2nd level - 3 x 2 Mb.
- Level 3 cache L3 - 8 MB.
- Voltage - 0.9-1.425 V.
- Heat Dissipation (TDW) - 95 watts.
- Max. temperature - 70.5 gr.
- Instructions - MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4, SSE4. 1, SSE4. 2, AES, AVX, BMI1, F16C, FMA3, FMA4, TBM, ABM, EVP, XOP, VT.
- Supported technologies - AMD64 (AMD 64-bit), Virtualization (AMD-V), Balanced Smart Cache, Wide Floating Point Accelerator, Turbo Core 3.0, PowerNow !.
CPU Reviews
User reviews about this processor show that the FX-6300 is still a very good and reliable option in terms of price-quality ratio. It allows you to assemble an inexpensive, but at the same time powerful and productive PC, the characteristics of which will last for a long time. The FX-6300 can be safely called one of the best AMD processors today, apart from, of course, the newer and more expensive Ryzen.
Conclusion
Which AMD processor is better to choose? Everyone must decide for themselves, based on the tasks. If you need a reliable working "machine" for minimal investment, then the Athlon II X2 240 or Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is perfect (provided that old parts are available). If you need a more modern and efficient PC, then the obvious choice is the FX-6300 and older.
There are, of course, new, more productive Ryzen processors that have improved technologies and are suitable for almost any task, but only they cost significantly more. Although if money is not a problem and you want to build on a new hardware, then Ryzen will be a great option.