Unleash the Power of the 15 Watt AMD Athlon 2650e CPU with Overclocking

Unleash the Power of the 15 Watt AMD Athlon 2650e CPU with Overclocking

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the AMD Athlon 2650e CPU
3. Performance in Stock Configuration
4. Overclocking the AMD Athlon 2650e
5. Benchmark Results: Cinebench R15
6. Benchmark Results: Unigine Tropics
7. Benchmark Results: F.E.A.R.
8. Benchmark Results: Crysis
9. Benchmark Results: Far Cry
10. Benchmark Results: Half-Life 2
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will be diving into the world of CPUs and taking a closer look at the AMD Athlon 2650e. This single-core CPU, with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz and a TDP of 15 watts, may seem outdated, but don't be fooled. We will explore its performance in both stock and overclocked configurations, and see just how far we can push this little powerhouse. So sit back, relax, and let's see what the AMD Athlon 2650e is capable of.

Overview of the AMD Athlon 2650e CPU

The AMD Athlon 2650e is a 64-bit CPU that was launched in late 2008 for socket AM2. With a frequency of 1.6 GHz and a locked multiplier of eight, it was designed as a low-power option with a TDP of 15 watts. Despite being a single-core CPU, it still holds its own in certain applications and can deliver surprising results when pushed to its limits.

Performance in Stock Configuration

Booting up the system with the AMD Athlon 2650e in its stock configuration, we can see that it runs at just over one volt V core, showcasing its low power consumption. To establish baselines, we ran Cinebench R15 and achieved a score of 31. While this may not be the fastest CPU on the market, it is important to remember that the AMD Athlon 2650e was designed for efficiency rather than raw power.

Overclocking the AMD Athlon 2650e

Knowing that this CPU has potential, we decided to overclock it and see what improvements could be made. In the BIOS, we locked the multiplier, bumped the V core to 1.35 volts, and started raising the front side bus. After some trial and error, we managed to push the CPU to 2.86 GHz with a V core of 1.4 volts. With this overclock, we saw a significant increase in performance, as evidenced by the Cinebench R15 score jumping from 31 to 54.

Benchmark Results: Cinebench R15

Cinebench R15 is a widely used benchmark that measures a system's CPU performance. With the AMD Athlon 2650e overclocked to 2.86 GHz, we recorded a score of 54, showcasing its improved capabilities. While it may not be breaking any records, this increase in performance is a testament to the overclocking potential of the AMD Athlon 2650e.

Benchmark Results: Unigine Tropics

Next, we tested the AMD Athlon 2650e in the popular benchmarking software Unigine Tropics. With the overclocked CPU, we observed a definite improvement in performance compared to the stock configuration. The average FPS (frames per Second) increased to 21.7, further highlighting the benefits of overclocking.

Benchmark Results: F.E.A.R.

Moving on to gaming benchmarks, we started with the original F.E.A.R. Game and ran the in-game benchmark. While the results were not outstanding, with an average FPS of 36, it is important to note that the AMD Athlon 2650e is not designed for intensive gaming. However, the overclock did bring about some improvements, as only 9% of the FPS was below 25, compared to the stock configuration where the majority of the FPS fell below that threshold.

Benchmark Results: Crysis

Crysis, known for its demanding graphics and CPU requirements, proved to be a challenge for the AMD Athlon 2650e. Even with the overclock, the CPU struggled to keep up, resulting in a less-than-playable gaming experience. It is clear that this CPU is not suitable for running games of this caliber, especially considering that Crysis was released four years before the CPU itself.

Benchmark Results: Far Cry

We also tested Far Cry, a game released before the AMD Athlon 2650e, to see if it would fare any better. While it initially seemed promising, with playable frame rates, we soon encountered noticeable input lag and occasional freezes. Even with the overclock, the CPU's limitations became apparent, making it less than ideal for playing games older than itself.

Benchmark Results: Half-Life 2

When it came to Half-Life 2, the AMD Athlon 2650e performed adequately. While the frame rate fluctuated and occasional stutters were Present, the game was still playable for the most part. Although not the best performer, it was able to handle a game that was released around the same time as the CPU.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AMD Athlon 2650e may no longer be the cutting-edge CPU it once was, but it still has its merits. With its low power consumption and respectable performance in certain applications, it can serve as a reliable option for everyday computing tasks. Additionally, its overclocking potential opens up possibilities for increased performance, although it may not be ideal for gaming. Overall, the AMD Athlon 2650e is a testament to the longevity of CPUs and the rewards that can come with pushing their limits.

Highlights:

• The AMD Athlon 2650e: Unleashing the Potential of an Aging CPU
• Overclocking the AMD Athlon 2650e: Pushing the Limits
• Benchmark Results: Cinebench R15 – The Power of Overclocking
• Benchmark Results: Unigine Tropics – Boosting Performance in Graphics
• Benchmark Results: Crysis – The CPU's Breaking Point
• Benchmark Results: Half-Life 2 – A Surprisingly Playable Experience

FAQ

Q: Can the AMD Athlon 2650e handle modern gaming? A: No, the AMD Athlon 2650e is not suitable for running modern games due to its limitations in processing power.

Q: Is overclocking the AMD Athlon 2650e worth it? A: Overclocking the AMD Athlon 2650e can lead to noticeable improvements in performance in certain applications, but it may not be ideal for gaming.

Q: Can the AMD Athlon 2650e be used for everyday computing tasks? A: Yes, the AMD Athlon 2650e can serve as a reliable option for everyday computing tasks, thanks to its low power consumption and respectable performance in certain applications.

Resources:

• Cinebench
• Unigine