When assembling any computer, users have a question related to which processor is better to take from which manufacturer. If money allows, then you can buy Intel, but if you want to save money and 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 look at some very interesting options for different occasions. Let's get started!
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+
Opens today's list processor "AMD" 64 Athlone X2 6000+. This is a rather 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 changing the hardware, then you can pay attention to this option.
Description and characteristics
One thing to say right away:it is unprofitable to assemble a system from scratch on this processor - the costs will not justify the investment. But for those who have an AM2 socket motherboard and DDR2 memory, the X2 6000+ will be just right.
So, as mentioned above, this processor is designed for motherboards with socket AM2. Despite the fact that there are only 2 cores, the processor operates at a fairly high frequency - 3 GHz. Its overclocking potential is small, and in the best scenario, the maximum that can be squeezed out is 150-250 MHz.
The main problem of the "pebble" is increased heat dissipation, so a good cooler is required.
You shouldn't expect something super-unusual from the processor - it's an excellent workhorse for home use, which, by the way, may well allow you to play some modern games, for example, GTA 5, Doom and others. In this case, the graphics settings will have to be set almost to the minimum. In rare cases, you can leave medium, but it's still better than nothing at all.
So AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is a very good option for upgrading an old system.
It's time to talk about the technical characteristics of the processor. Here they are:
- Number of cores – 2.
- CPU frequency - 3 GHz.
- Socket - AM2.
- Cache level 1 L1 - 2 x 128 Kb.
- Cache level 2 L2 - 2 x 1024 KB.
- Cash level 3 L3 - none.
- Voltage - 1, 35-1, 4 V.
- Heat dissipation (TDW) - 125 W.
- Max. temperature - from55 to 63 gr.
- Instructions - MMX, 3DNow!, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, x86-64.
- Supported Technologies - Cool'n'Quiet, Enhanced Virus Protection.
Reviews
User reviews of this processor are mostly positive. Many note the high performance of the CPU, despite the fact that it has only 2 cores. Strong heating is generally mentioned as the main disadvantage. The processor has no other serious disadvantages.
AMD Athlon II X2 240
Another very good budget AMD processor with 2 cores is Athlon II X2 240. This CPU was designed 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 build.
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. Processor "AMD Athlon" 2 X2 240 is designed for motherboards with socket AM3 and AM2+. It was made using 45 nm technology, which significantly reduced the amount of heat dissipation - the very problem that has plagued most of the 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 sticks and the previous generation of DDR2. Thus, you can save a lot on hardware by taking, for example, a motherboard andmemory 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 a stock frequency of 2.8 GHz, the processor can be easily overclocked to 3.5-3.8 GHz, which will allow you to get a fairly tangible increase in performance. At the same time, heating increases slightly, which also cannot but rejoice.
In general, this processor is an excellent option for a very budgetary productive home assembly, which will allow you to use it not only as a multimedia or workstation, but also as a gaming one. Yes, the Athlon II X2 240 allows you to play most modern games at medium and minimum settings without any problems, as well as the hits of yesteryear, so it's not all that bad.
Characteristics of the AMD processor:
- Number of cores – 2.
- CPU frequency - 2.8 GHz.
- Socket - AM3 (AM2+).
- Cache level 1 L1 - 2 x 128 Kb.
- Cache level 2 L2 - 2048 Kb.
- Cash level 3 L3 - none.
- Voltage - 0.87-1.4 V.
- Heat dissipation (TDW) - 65 W.
- Max. temperature – 73-74 gr.
- Instructions - MMX, 3DNow!, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4A, x 86-64.
- Supported Technologies - 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 feedback on this processor shows that the Athlon II X2 240 is very goodand reliable "pebble", which remains relevant even today. The processor is no problem for a regular home PC, where they will surf the Internet, watch movies and play games, and for an office or workhorse. The X2 240 has no serious shortcomings, except that technical obsolescence every year, which will eventually force you to change the processor to something newer.
AMD FX-6300
The next AMD processor to be discussed is the FX-6300. A few years ago, many wrote off the FX processor line, saying that they get very hot, performance is inferior to the new Intel, etc. However, recently the demand for these “stones” has only begun to grow, because more and more programs appear every time and games that use multithreading and the number of cores plays a big role.
FX-6300 Description and CPU Specifications
In general, the FX lineup is full of different options, from simple 4-cores to real "hot" 8-core monsters. The 6300 is basically a solid mid-ranger that's inexpensive, has 6 cores, and delivers great performance.
The AMD FX-6300 processor is designed for motherboards with socket AM3+. The clock frequency of the CPU is 3.5 GHz. There is a proprietary function Turbo Core, which automatically allows you to increase the frequency to 4.1 GHz. An excellent result can also be achieved using manual overclocking, up to 4.7 GHz, but this requires a very good class motherboardHi-end, with cooling on mosfets and power circuits, so that nothing burns out from heat 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 please its owner very pleasantly. 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 easily play all modern games at both maximum and high settings.
Only increased heat dissipation can be attributed to the disadvantages. By itself, the processor heats up slightly, but with constant loads, long-term work, 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.
FX-6300 Specifications:
- Number of cores – 6.
- CPU frequency - 3.5 GHz.
- Socket – AM3+.
- Level 1 cache L1 – 3 x 64Kb, 6 x 1 6Kb.
- Cache level 2 L2 - 3 x 2 MB.
- Cache level 3 L3 - 8 MB.
- Voltage - 0, 9-1, 425 V.
- Heat dissipation (TDW) - 95 W.
- 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!.
Reviews about the processor
User feedback on this processor shows that the FX-6300 remains to this day 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 easily be called one of the best AMD processors to date, apart from the newer and more expensive Ryzen, of course.
Conclusion
Which AMD processor is better to choose? Everyone must decide for themselves on their own, based on the tasks. If you need a reliable working "machine" for a minimal investment, then the Athlon II X2 240 or Athlon 64 X2 6000+ (provided that old components are available) are perfect. If you need a more modern and productive PC, then the obvious choice is the FX-6300 and older.
Of course, there are newer, more powerful Ryzen processors that have improved technologies and are suitable for almost any task, but they are much more expensive. Although if money is not a problem and you want to build on new hardware, then Ryzen will be a great option.
