Unleash Your Gaming Potential with the AMD 860K Processor!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. AMD A 650 400 K: A Dual-Core Processor
3. Gaming Performance Issues with AMD A 650 400 K
4. Introduction to AMD 860 K: A More Capable Processor
5. Price Comparison: AMD 5400 K vs AMD 860 K
6. Benchmark Results: AMD 860 K with GTX 660
7. Overwatch Performance with AMD 860 K
8. League of Legends Performance with AMD 860 K
9. Skyrim Performance with AMD 860 K
10. Grand Theft Auto 5 Performance with AMD 860 K
11. Comparison: AMD 860 K vs AMD A 650 400 K
12. Conclusion
13. Upgrading Options for Older Generation AMD Processors

AMD 860 K: A Budget Gaming Processor That Gets the Job Done 👨‍💻

In my last video, we discussed the performance of the AMD A 650 400 K, a dual-core processor that struggled with modern Triple A games, particularly GTA 5. Today, we'll be exploring a possible solution to these gaming performance issues: the AMD 860 K. This processor offers double the cores, overclocking capabilities, and falls within an affordable price range. In this article, we'll dive into the benchmark results, compare it to the AMD 5400 K, and determine whether the upgrade is worth it for gamers on a tight budget.

Introduction

Before we jump into the benchmarks, let's take a moment to understand the context. The AMD 860 K is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. Its price point and four true cores make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability. While our focus today is gaming, it's worth mentioning that the 860 K can also handle general computing tasks with ease.

AMD A 650 400 K: A Dual-Core Processor

The AMD A 650 400 K, our starting point for comparison, is a dual-core processor that struggled to handle modern Triple A games. With an unplayable experience in GTA 5 and rendering issues across various titles, it left gamers yearning for a more capable alternative. While it could handle lower-end games, the lack of cores limited its performance in demanding games.

Gaming Performance Issues with AMD A 650 400 K

GTA 5 served as a prime example of the gaming performance issues users faced with the AMD A 650 400 K. The processor simply couldn't render the world correctly, resulting in a completely unplayable experience. This setback led to the search for a better gaming processor that could provide a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Introduction to AMD 860 K: A More Capable Processor

Enter the AMD 860 K, a processor that addresses the limitations of its predecessor. With a moderate price increase compared to the 5400 K, the 860 K offers two additional cores, amounting to a total of four cores. This upgrade promises better gaming performance and increased multitasking capabilities. Furthermore, the 860 K supports overclocking, allowing users to push its performance even further.

Price Comparison: AMD 5400 K vs AMD 860 K

Budget considerations are crucial for gamers looking for an upgrade. The AMD 5400 K can easily be found on eBay for around $25, while the 860 K comes at a slightly higher price point of approximately $50. It's important to weigh the performance benefits against the additional cost to determine if the upgrade is justifiable within a tight budget.

Benchmark Results: AMD 860 K with GTX 660

To assess the gaming capabilities of the AMD 860 K, we paired it with a GTX 660 graphics card. The following benchmarks showcase the performance of this combination in popular games.

Overwatch Performance with AMD 860 K

Starting with Overwatch on medium settings at 1080p, the AMD 860 K delivered impressive results. With an average FPS of 104 and a 1% low of 83, the gameplay remained consistently smooth. Even during intense moments, the 860 K maintained a minimum of 66 FPS, surpassing the desirable 60 FPS mark.

League of Legends Performance with AMD 860 K

Moving on to League of Legends, the AMD 860 K continued to impress. On max settings, it achieved an average of 97 FPS, with a 1% low of 65. Although the 0.1% low briefly dipped below 60 FPS at 49, the Game remained highly playable. The 860 K proved its worth in providing a satisfying mainstream gaming experience.

Skyrim Performance with AMD 860 K

In Skyrim, the AMD 860 K showcased its capabilities on the medium preset at 1080p. With a frame cap of 60 FPS to maintain consistency with our previous testing of the 5400 K, we achieved an average of 60 FPS without any significant drops. The 1% low hit 53 FPS, while the 0.1% low occasionally dipped as low as 29 FPS. Overall, Skyrim's gameplay was exceptionally smooth and enjoyable.

Grand Theft Auto 5 Performance with AMD 860 K

Lastly, we tested Grand Theft Auto 5 on normal settings at 1080p, disabling anti-aliasing. The AMD 860 K provided a playable experience, with an average FPS of 53. The 1% lows managed to stay above the 30 FPS mark, while the 0.1% lows dropped to 20 FPS. Although occasional stutters occurred, they were not significant enough to hinder gameplay.

Comparison: AMD 860 K vs AMD A 650 400 K

To put the AMD 860 K's performance into perspective, we compared it to the AMD A 650 400 K. The difference between the two was evident across all the tested games. The 860 K nearly doubled the average FPS compared to the 5400 K. Moreover, the most significant improvement was observed in the 1% and 0.1% lows, where the 860 K consistently provided a playable experience. In contrast, the 5400 K struggled with unplayable frame rates, especially in GTA 5. Although the 5400 K comes at a lower price, the enhancements provided by the 860 K make it a more worthwhile investment for budget gamers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the architecture of the AMD 860 K may be considered outdated by today's standards, it can still deliver commendable performance when paired with a suitable graphics card. For mid-tier or lower-tier components like the GTX 660 or even the more modern RX 480/580, the 860 K proves to be a reliable choice. Its affordability, four true cores, and overclocking capabilities make it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.

If you're still utilizing older generation AMD processors like the 860 K, A-10, or FX-series chips, it would be valuable to assess whether they meet your current needs. Upgrading to a newer processor, such as those in the Ryzen series or Intel's i3, i5, or i7, may provide a significant boost in overall performance. Let us know in the comments below what processor you're currently using and whether you feel the need to upgrade.

Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment if you found this content helpful. You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @WhoseOrHardware (same tag for both platforms). As always, there are more videos queued up on my Channel for you to watch. Thank you for joining me in this exploration of the AMD 860 K, and I'll see you in the next video!

Highlights

• The AMD 860 K is a budget-friendly processor suitable for gamers on a tight budget.
• It offers four true cores and overclocking capabilities, making it a reliable choice for gaming and multitasking.
• Benchmark results demonstrate impressive performance in games like Overwatch, League of Legends, Skyrim, and Grand Theft Auto 5.
• When compared to the AMD A 650 400 K, the AMD 860 K surpasses it in average FPS, 1% lows, and 0.1% lows.
• The price per frame rendered for the 860 K is marginally higher than the 5400 K, but the overall value is better due to improved performance.
• Upgrading options for older generation AMD processors should be considered to meet the demands of newer games and applications.

FAQs

Q: Can the AMD 860 K handle high-end gaming?
A: While the AMD 860 K can deliver satisfactory gaming performance, it is not recommended for high-end gaming with top-tier graphics cards. It performs best when paired with mid-tier or lower-tier components.

Q: Is the AMD 860 K suitable for multitasking?
A: Yes, the AMD 860 K's four true cores make it well-suited for multitasking. It can handle tasks such as gaming, streaming, and web browsing simultaneously without significant performance limitations.

Q: What are the advantages of overclocking the AMD 860 K?
A: Overclocking the AMD 860 K allows users to enhance its performance beyond the base clock speed. This can result in improved FPS and overall system responsiveness. However, proper cooling and a stable power supply are essential for safe and efficient overclocking.

Q: Is the AMD 860 K compatible with modern motherboards?
A: Yes, the AMD 860 K is compatible with modern motherboards that support the FM2+ socket. However, it's recommended to check the motherboard's specifications to ensure compatibility before making a purchase.

Q: How does the AMD 860 K compare to Intel processors?
A: The AMD 860 K offers a competitive performance-to-price ratio when compared to Intel processors in the same price range. It's crucial to consider individual needs, software requirements, and budget constraints when selecting between AMD and Intel processors.