In order to choose the right processor, you need to know what type of socket your motherboard has. A socket is a “footprint” for a processor. If you purchase a processor with the wrong socket, it simply will not fit into your motherboard. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is find out the type of socket and only then choose a processor based on technical characteristics. For example, the FM2 processor will only fit the corresponding socket. And not under any other. We’ll talk about the FM2 socket and the best processors for it. Let's look at the most popular models.
AMD Athlon II X4 750K Black Edition
This FM2 processor is the best in its class. It has very interesting technical characteristics. But the main thing is that it has an unlocked multiplier. This means that it can be easily overclocked. Although it is already quite powerful. So, the technical characteristics of this processor look like this. The number of cores is 4, which operate in four threads. The nominal operating frequency is 4 gigahertz. Quite good for a processor that doesn't cost that much. Many of his “classmates” are much more expensive. The processor is manufactured using a 32 nm process technology and does not have any third-level cache at all. But this is not very good. Nevertheless, our hero can easily compare in performance with many modern “stones”. Especially when overclocked.
The processor comes in a black cardboard box, which immediately tells us that this gadget is designed for overclocking. Many AMD FM2 processors lack this useful option. But not this Athlone. This “stone” copes well with high loads, supports high-frequency RAM modules and performs well when running resource-intensive tasks (demanding games, specialized software for processing graphics and video, and so on).
FAQ
Tell me, is the AMD processor normal or not? They say it gets hot all the time. Some models actually suffer from this drawback. But don't rely on unfounded reviews. Focus on the heat dissipation parameter. For example, if it is 95 W at a maximum temperature of 70 C, you will need good cooling. For comparison, the Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge only outputs 65 W. On the other hand, the latest Intel Core I5-9600K Coffee Lake generates the same 95 W, however, the operating temperature is increased to 100 C.
How to “overclock” an AMD processor? Easy. Using a special proprietary AMD OverDrive utility, which, among other things, tests the status of the module. Overclocking is possible through the BIOS. This path requires theoretical knowledge and preliminary preparation.
Which AMD model is equivalent to the Intel Core I5-9600K Coffee Lake? Try the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Pinnacle Ridge. Issue price: 12,000 rubles. (40% cheaper).
What is the AMD A6-9500 Bristol Ridge processor used for? This “pass-through” version (2 cores, 3500 MHz, DDR4 2400 MHz, L2 1024 KB) is used to flash 300 chipsets for modern Ryzen. Temporary solution for home and office. Does not have attractive characteristics, but will cope with simple tasks.
Is it true that AMD ZEN does not work with Windows 7? There are complaints. On the other hand, Microsoft announced back in 2022 that all the latest processors should run Windows 10. Thus, already on Intel Core Kaby Lake, the system blocked the downloading of new updates. Please do your research based on your specific processor model, motherboard specification, and BIOS version.
Reviews of AMD Athlon II X4 750K Black Edition
Here user opinions are divided. Some owners consider it the best processor of all time for the FM2 socket. These processors, by the way, are not very common. And others with crazy tenacity prove that this stone has long been morally obsolete and it’s time to scrap it. However, the last statement suffers from excessive radicalism. Of course, those who believe that this “old man” will show more are right. Its performance is at the level of modern processors in the mid-price segment, it is inexpensive and compatible with all modern components. What else is needed for happiness? Not to mention, this is a great budget option for those on a budget.
conclusions
Today we looked at which processors are suitable for the FM2 socket. Despite how long ago the FM2 and FM2+ sockets appeared, as well as some obsolescence of processors based on them, this equipment, due to its cost, still remains competitive in the field of solving simple application problems.
Most cutting-edge high-performance processors have excess power for a basic home or office computer. They are completely unable to justify their cost for an owner who uses a PC for web surfing, watching videos, creating content using MS Office and other simple tasks.
If there is no need to use heavy-duty hardware, then it always makes sense to pay attention to equipment from previous generations. It still has not lost its relevance, but at the same time its cost has noticeably decreased.
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AMD Athlon X4 860K
This FM2 processor is made on the Kaveri yard and is somewhat different from our previous hero. Mainly because it is made using a 28 nm process technology. This technology is a little newer. Also, this processor does not have an unlocked multiplier, which means that it is not intended for overclocking in any way. The maximum clock speed in Turbo mode is 4 gigahertz. There is still no third-level cache. There is no graphics core either. Which is very good. The processor must perform one task. And there is absolutely no point in spraying. This processor has four cores that run on four threads. Standard features these days.
This Athlone has sets of almost all instructions and is compatible with almost all modern components. And it costs even less than previous AMD Socket FM2 processors with the intriguing Black Edition label. This is truly a budget option that will suit many. The power of this “stone” is enough for both games (just not the most modern ones) and multimedia tasks. He can handle almost anything. That is why processors of this line were especially popular at the time. And even now they do not intend to give up the positions they have won.
Trinity architecture
These CPUs have 2 or 4 cores, a second level cache of up to 4 MB and different clock speeds. This includes hybrids A10, A8, A6, A4 and Athlon, which is not equipped with a graphics accelerator.
A10
These “stones” have 4 cores and built-in HD 7660D graphics. The model range is presented in two positions:
- A10–5800K – clock frequency in overclocking mode to 4.2, multiplier unlocked.
- A10-5700 – frequency is slightly reduced, does not support overclocking.
A8
These CPUs have 4 cores and an integrated HD 7560D graphics card. The modification is also presented in two models:
- A8–5600K – frequency up to 3.9, multiplier unlocked;
- A8-5500 – frequency up to 3.7, overclocking is not supported.
A6 and A4
Junior hybrids with a pair of cores and a 1 MB second level cache. Also available in a couple of models:
- A6–5400K – up to 3.8, HD7540D graphics, can be overclocked;
- A4-5300 – up to 3.6, HD 7480D video adapter.
Athlon
It is impossible not to mention this modification among the CPUs that fit the slot in question. They differ in the absence of a built-in graphics accelerator. The lineup is represented by 4-core devices.
- Athlon II X4 750K – can be overclocked, frequency up to 4,
- Athlon II X4 740 – frequency up to 3.7, does not overclock,
- Athlon II X4 730 – frequency up to 2.8.
Reviews of AMD Athlon X4 860K
The situation here is approximately the same as with the previous processor. Legions of those who consider this “stone” to be the best in the world have clashed in a mortal battle with those who claim that this product has long been outdated. Both sides are right. But if we note the high performance, low price and compatibility with all modern equipment, it turns out that it is too early to write off this FM2 processor. It is perfect for those who want to build an inexpensive home computer. And this computer will be capable of much. Naturally, if there are components corresponding in power for other tasks. It won't work without this.
Modifications
All modifications were produced in two versions: black and “chrome”. In the first version, all parts of the case were painted black, and in the second, the upper and lower shields, as well as the bayonet housing, had a silver coating. The black version was slightly more expensive. The most expensive modification was Nikon FM2/T, produced from 1993 to 1997. The unpainted titanium used for the top, bottom and back covers increased the camera's durability. For the Norwegian police, a half-format version of Nikon FM2 with a frame size of 18x24 millimeters was produced by special order. A limited edition Nikon FM2 LAPITA was released for the domestic Japanese market, intended for subscribers of the monthly Japanese magazine Lapita Magazine
. Instead of black leatherette inserts, brown leather was glued to the body, and the traditional “FM2” engraving on the front of the top shield was replaced with the letters “LAPITA”.
What processors are suitable for socket FM2?
Unfortunately, this particular socket is very specific. Only processors from . And that's not all. It is not possible to plug something from Intel into a motherboard with a similar socket, since this company does not strive to support this type of socket. Most likely, this is due to the long-standing feud between Intel and AMD. Both companies are trying hard to outdo each other in the design and manufacture of processors. And recently AMD managed to do this. They managed to release the most powerful processor in the world (for home PCs) called “Ryzen”.
Features of socket FM2
FM 2 provided extensive capabilities for Trinity processors. The new connector interface was designed to provide increased power, as well as a significant increase in clock frequency. It made it possible to use in one package:
- CPU;
- High-performance graphics module;
- DDR3 RAM controller containing two channels;
- HDMI controller;
- Special hardware video decoder.
Also based on the socket, it was possible to support AMD Turbo Core 3.0 dynamic overclocking technology, which made it possible to more efficiently distribute processor resources by adjusting the frequency of the cores. This resulted in an additional increase in productivity and was also an energy-saving process.
Later, the elimination of some shortcomings led to the creation of Richland - an improved version, which is also based on the FM 2 socket. The basis of both types of processors is the Piledriver architecture.
With the advent of the Kaveri processor line in 2015, based on the Steamroller architecture, AMD introduced a second modification of the socket. It is curious that motherboards with FM 2+ appeared earlier than the processors themselves. But the situation is understandable if you know that sockets of different versions of this format are backward compatible: processors of the FM 2 standard can be used in the FM 2+ socket. On the contrary, it is impossible to install the equipment: processors for the FM 2+ connector are not compatible at the physical level. The new chips have two additional contacts that will not allow them to fit into FM 2.
In order not to have to deal with compatibility when purchasing equipment, but at the same time make the right choice, you need to determine the model of the motherboard, and then on the website of its manufacturer, familiarize yourself with the list of all supported processors.
Even more gigahertz
Intel has officially announced its latest desktop processor, the Core i9-9900KS with eight cores. As of May 27, 2022, this is the most powerful chip in the Core line, but it still does not have access to the 10-nanometer process technology, which Intel has not yet completed. Let us remember that Intel also has a line of Xeon processors positioned as server processors. The series includes a number of models for desktop PCs, but Intel's main line for desktops is the Core. The Core i9-9900KS is an improved version of the Core i9-9900K processor, introduced in the fourth quarter of 2022 and becoming the most powerful in the Core series at that time. The new chip differs from it in increased operating frequencies - it can maintain a frequency of 5 GHz for a long time on all eight cores under peak loads. The base frequency in this case is 4 GHz versus 3.6 GHz for the Core i9-9900K (the maximum frequency of this processor is 4.7 GHz), which puts it in first place in the ranking of the most powerful Intel chips for desktop PCs.
The best processors on socket FM2 and FM2+
Even taking into account the relatively short relevance of the socket, a number of remarkable chips were released for it. The socket is associated with a number of improvements in hybrid processor technology, experiments in increasing the power of the graphics core, and expanding overclocking capabilities.
AMD A8-6600K
- Socket: FM2;
- Architecture: Piledriver;
- Number of cores/threads: 4/-;
- Base/boost frequency: 3.7/4.3;
- Process technology: 32 nm;
- TDP: 100 W;
- cache : 4 MB.
Supports popular AMD technologies: Dual Graphics and Eyefinity. Each of which allows you to increase the capabilities of the system through the efficient use of equipment resources. Dual Graphics makes it possible to share the power of the processor graphics core and video card. The second is designed to create configurations with multiple monitors, achieving resolutions up to 5760x1200.
AMD A10-5800K
- Socket : FM2;
- Architecture: Piledriver;
- Number of cores/threads: 4/-;
- Base/boost frequency: 3.8/4.2;
- Process technology: 32 nm;
- TDP: 100 W;
- cache : 4 MB.
The processor easily runs any modern games at the time of its release and allows you to easily enjoy your favorite films in full HD. The graphics core has excellent power. This is an excellent choice for anyone who is not ready to purchase a separate graphics card.
AMD A10-6800K
- Socket : FM2;
- Architecture: Piledriver;
- Number of cores/threads: 4/-;
- Base/boost frequency: 4.1/4.4;
- Process technology: 32 nm;
- TDP: 100 W;
- cache : 4 MB.
2012 was a stellar year for AMD, which took the lead with its new APU. One of the flagships of the race between AMD and Intel was the A10-6800K processor. This is the best processor on fm2 and a bright representative of the Richland line, which, unlike the earlier generation Trinity, supports RAM at a speed of 2133 MHz, has an improved balance of GPU and CPU when using Turbo Core technology, as well as increased frequency of both central and graphics kernels.
Richland Architecture
Essentially, this is the same Trinity from the Bulldozer family, but with reduced heat dissipation to 45 W. Clock speeds have been increased and markings have been changed.
A10
Flagship processors with 4 cores, 4 MB L2 cache and integrated 8670D graphics. Clock speeds:
- A10-6800K – up to 4.4, multiply. unlocked;
- A10–6790K – up to 4.3, multiply. unlocked;
- A10–6700 – up to 4.3, multiply. blocked.
A8
This list is notable for the fact that it includes models with a heat dissipation of only 45 W. This allows the use of such “stones” in ultra-compact systems. Also included here are several “oldies”:
- A8–6600K – overclocked to 4.2, unlocked multiplier, 8570D graphics chip;
- A8-6500 – the same GPU, frequency up to 4.1, multiplier locked;
- A8-6700T – overclocked to 3.5, video card 8570D; reduced heat generation;
- A8-6800T – another “cold” CPU, frequency up to 3.1, 8550D graphics.
A4
The list includes 2-core CPUs, with 1 MB cache and without the possibility of overclocking by a multiplier.
- A4–7300 – up to 4;
- A4–6320 – up to 4;
- A4–6300 – up to 3.9;
- A4–4020 – up to 3.4;
- A4–4000 – up to 3.2.
