Unleash the Power of the AMD A8-3850 APU

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the AMD APU A-Series
2. Specifications of the AMD A8 3850
3. Socket compatibility and chipset requirements
4. Different types of A-Series APUs
5. testing system and components
6. Overclocking possibilities
7. Temperature performance
8. Distribution of processing power
9. Cinebench and 3DMark Vantage results
10. Gaming performance and settings
11. Conclusion: The benefits of AMD APU A-Series

Introduction to the AMD APU A-Series

AMD APU A-Series processors have made quite a buzz in the market, and today we will be diving into the details of the top-end model, the AMD A8 3850. The A-Series offers mainstream APUs that combine both CPU and GPU on a single chip, maximizing performance and flexibility. In this article, we will explore the specifications, features, and performance of the A8 3850, and discuss its position in the market compared to its competitors.

Specifications of the AMD A8 3850

The AMD A8 3850 is a high-performance APU designed for mainstream users. With a maximum speed of 2.9 GHz and 4 cores, it delivers impressive processing power for various tasks. The A8 3850 also includes a GPU on the same die, featuring a core clock of 600 MHz and a memory clock of 800 MHz. This APU supports the latest technologies and even allows the addition of a discrete video card for enhanced performance.

Socket compatibility and chipset requirements

It is important to note that the AMD A8 3850 uses the FM1 socket, which is not compatible with the AM3 socket. Attempting to install the A8 3850 on an AM3 board can result in damage. The FM1 socket has 905 pins, requiring a new motherboard with the A55 or A75 chipset. These chipsets provide various features like USB 3.0 and SATA 3.0, enhancing the overall performance of the system.

Different types of A-Series APUs

The A-Series APUs come in various models offering different levels of performance. The A8 3850 is one of the top models with a 100-watt CPU and four cores. Other models in the series offer varying features and performance levels, catering to different user requirements. The A-Series APUs are positioned by AMD as competitive alternatives to the Intel Core i3 Sandy Bridge processors, offering a range of features and capabilities at an affordable price point.

Testing system and components

To evaluate the performance of the AMD A8 3850, we used a brand new Asus motherboard with the FM1 socket. The Yano codename was given to this motherboard, featuring a 32 nanometer architecture. The A8 3850 was tested at its default clock speed of 2.9 GHz, and various benchmarks were conducted to assess its capabilities. Additionally, the system had an NZXT Havoc 140 CPU cooler installed to maintain optimal temperatures during testing.

Overclocking possibilities

Although the multiplier of the A8 3850 is locked, it is still possible to increase its performance through overclocking. By increasing the bus speed from 100 to 130 and adjusting the multiplier to 27, the A8 3850 can achieve a clock speed of 3.5 GHz. This overclocking results in a significant boost in performance, but it is essential to monitor temperatures and ensure stability during the process.

Temperature performance

One of the advantages of the 32 nanometer architecture of the A8 3850 is its efficient temperature management. Even with increased voltage during overclocking, the difference in temperatures is minimal. During full-load usage, the CPU temperature reached a maximum of 46 degrees Celsius, which is deemed acceptable. This temperature performance showcases the effectiveness of the A8 3850 in handling demanding tasks.

Distribution of processing power

The A8 3850 features intelligent distribution of processing power between the CPU and GPU. When the system is under load, the APU dynamically allocates resources, utilizing the CPU or GPU depending on the task at HAND. This allows for efficient multitasking and optimal utilization of resources. The AMD system monitor utility provides a visual representation of this distribution, showcasing the real-time performance of the various processing components.

Cinebench and 3DMark Vantage results

Benchmarking tools like Cinebench and 3DMark Vantage were utilized to evaluate the performance of the A8 3850. In both CPU and GPU overclocked scenarios, the A8 3850 outperformed the Phenom 2 quad-core 840 processor. While it may not match the performance of higher-end CPUs, the A8 3850 proves to be a worthy contender in its price range. The GPU performance, especially when overclocked, showcases the capabilities of the integrated graphics on the APU.

Gaming performance and settings

Gaming performance is a crucial aspect of any processor, and the A8 3850 delivers satisfactory results. With high settings, games like Crysis Warhead and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 ran smoothly, offering a decent frame rate. It is recommended to set games to mainstream or medium settings for optimal performance. The built-in GPU of the A8 3850 demonstrates its prowess in handling graphics-intensive tasks without the need for an additional graphics card.

Conclusion: The benefits of AMD APU A-Series

The AMD A8 3850 from the APU A-Series provides an all-in-one solution for mainstream computer users. With impressive processing power, integrated graphics, and competitive performance, the A8 3850 offers great value for its price. The ability to overclock, efficient temperature management, and intelligent resource allocation make it a versatile choice for various tasks and gaming experiences. AMD's APU A-Series proves to be a solid alternative to the Intel Core i3 Sandy Bridge processors, catering to the needs of budget-conscious users without compromising on performance.

Highlights

• The AMD A8 3850 is a high-performance APU with a maximum speed of 2.9 GHz and 4 cores.
• The A-Series APUs combine CPU and GPU on a single chip, offering flexibility and performance.
• The A8 3850 requires a new motherboard with the FM1 socket and A55 or A75 chipset.
• Overclocking the A8 3850 can increase its performance, with careful monitoring of temperatures.
• The A8 3850 showcases efficient temperature management and intelligent resource allocation.
• Benchmark results demonstrate the competitive performance of the A8 3850 in its price range.
• The A8 3850 delivers satisfactory gaming performance, especially with its integrated GPU.
• The AMD APU A-Series offers an affordable alternative to Intel Core i3 Sandy Bridge processors.

FAQ

Q: Can I install the AMD A8 3850 on an AM3 socket?

A: No, the AMD A8 3850 uses the FM1 socket, which is not compatible with the AM3 socket.

Q: What are the chipset requirements for the AMD A8 3850?

A: The AMD A8 3850 requires a motherboard with the A55 or A75 chipset.

Q: Can I overclock the AMD A8 3850?

A: While the multiplier of the A8 3850 is locked, it is still possible to increase its performance through overclocking by adjusting the bus speed.

Q: How does the AMD A8 3850 handle temperatures during overclocking?

A: The 32 nanometer architecture of the A8 3850 ensures efficient temperature management, with minimal temperature differences even during overclocking.

Q: Can I add a discrete video card to the AMD A8 3850?

A: Yes, the AMD A8 3850 allows the addition of a discrete video card for enhanced performance in graphics-intensive tasks.