Budget Gaming with AMD Athlon X4 845 CPU & MSI A68HM Grenade Motherboard

Find AI Tools in second

Find AI Tools
No difficulty
No complicated process
Find ai tools

Table of Contents

Budget Gaming with AMD Athlon X4 845 CPU & MSI A68HM Grenade Motherboard

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Athlon x4 845 Processor
    • Design and Specifications
    • Performance Comparison with Intel i7 4770k
    • Budget Gaming and Streaming
  3. MSI A68HM Grenade Motherboard
    • Specifications and Features
    • Overclocking Performance
    • Command Center
  4. Conclusion
  5. FAQ

Introduction

In this article, we will be reviewing the Athlon x4 845 processor and the MSI A68HM Grenade motherboard. Both of these components are targeted towards budget-conscious gamers and offer impressive performance for their price range. We will delve into the specifications and performance of the Athlon x4 845 processor, comparing it to the Intel i7 4770k. Additionally, we will explore the features and overclocking performance of the MSI A68HM Grenade motherboard. Let's dive in and see if these affordable options are worth considering for your gaming setup.

👉 Athlon x4 845 Processor

Design and Specifications

The Athlon x4 845 processor, featuring the excavator architecture, is designed to deliver power efficiency improvements and better performance compared to older generation AMD CPUs. This quad-core processor operates between 3.5 to 3.8 gigahertz, with 2 megabytes of level 2 caching. It also comes with a redesigned cooler for quieter operation. Despite featuring PCIe 3.0 x8, the bandwidth is still ample for mid-range GPUs that this processor is intended to be paired with.

Performance Comparison with Intel i7 4770k

We pitted the Athlon x4 845 against an overclocked Intel i7 4770k, both paired with a GTX 960 graphics card and using the same graphical settings. While the i7 4770k had a slight advantage, particularly in minimum frame rates, the Athlon x4 845 held its own and provided impressive performance for a budget processor. It showcased enough performance with its quad-core design to keep the GPU well-fed. This makes it an appealing choice for gamers on a small budget or those looking to build secondary or living room gaming systems.

Budget Gaming and Streaming

With its power efficiency and capability for basic 3D rendering and video encoding, the Athlon x4 845 proves itself as a reliable option for budget gaming, streaming, and general desktop usage. In fact, most gamers would be hard-pressed to differentiate between gaming on an Athlon x4 845 and a higher-end CPU when paired with a mid-range GPU. For individuals interested in streaming, whether it be from a main platform like Steam or for entertainment purposes like Netflix, this processor offers an affordable solution.

👉 MSI A68HM Grenade Motherboard

Specifications and Features

The MSI A68HM Grenade motherboard features an FM2+ socket and supports dual-Channel operation for up to 2133 megahertz DDR3 memory. Despite its compact size, the board manages to accommodate four SATA 3 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and audio connectors at the rear. It also includes frontal headers and a variety of display ports. While these display ports may not be utilized when pairing the motherboard with a discrete GPU, they offer flexibility for future upgrades.

Overclocking Performance

The A68HM Grenade motherboard's BIOS provides comprehensive options for enthusiasts, allowing for overclocking of the processor, adjustment of voltages, memory timings, and much more. Using MSI's command center, we were able to boost the FSB from 100 to 105 megahertz, resulting in the processor reaching a stable frequency of 4 gigahertz. Despite the overclock, we experienced no stability issues, and temperatures remained well within acceptable ranges. The motherboard's cooling system, with just the CPU fan running at auto, remained nearly silent even under load.

Command Center

One notable feature of the A68HM Grenade motherboard is the inclusion of MSI's command center. This utility allows users to tweak various voltages, adjust turbo speeds for silent operation, and set individual fan profiles for chassis fans. It also offers the convenience of EM Flash, which enables users to backup and restore the BIOS from a USB flash disk. This feature comes in handy in case of BIOS damage or to create a portable BIOS chip for booting the PC.

Conclusion

In our experience, both the Athlon x4 845 processor and MSI A68HM Grenade motherboard have proven to be reliable and capable components for budget gaming builds. When paired with mid-range GPUs like the GTX 960 or RX 470, they offer smooth gameplay performance without breaking the bank. The Athlon x4 845 shines particularly in budget gaming and streaming scenarios, while the A68HM Grenade motherboard provides overclocking options and comprehensive BIOS features. If you're looking to build an affordable gaming rig, these components are definitely worthy of consideration.

FAQ

Q: Can the Athlon x4 845 processor handle basic 3D rendering and video encoding tasks?\ A: Yes, the Athlon x4 845 is capable of handling basic 3D rendering and video encoding. However, it is recommended for occasional usage rather than intensive professional workloads.

Q: Is the MSI A68HM Grenade motherboard suitable for overclocking?\ A: Yes, the MSI A68HM Grenade motherboard provides extensive overclocking options through its BIOS and command center utility. Users can adjust voltages, turbo speeds, and fan profiles to optimize performance.

Q: What budget GPUs are recommended to pair with the Athlon x4 845 processor?\ A: The Athlon x4 845 pairs well with mid-range GPUs such as the GTX 960, RX 470, or 380X. These combinations offer excellent gaming performance at a budget-friendly price.

Q: Can the A68HM Grenade motherboard support higher frequency RAM?\ A: Yes, the A68HM Grenade motherboard supports up to 2133 megahertz DDR3 memory, allowing for higher frequency RAM modules.

Most people like

Are you spending too much time looking for ai tools?
App rating
4.9
AI Tools
100k+
Trusted Users
5000+
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TOOLIFY

TOOLIFY is the best ai tool source.

Browse More Content