AMD CPU/APU naming scheme.

Larry Litmanen

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Jan 22, 2015
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Can someone explain to me how AMDs naming works, with Intel it is pretty clear i7>i5>i3>everything else.

But with AMD i know that FX is the top cat, what is the order in terms of power, this is what AMDs website shows.

FX

A Series APUs
Athlon APUs
Sempron APUs
Phenom II CPUs
Athlon II CPUs
Athlon CPUs
Sempron CPUs

Like i said FX is clearly the top dog, so if i am looking for an AMD's Core i5 (second in power) Is it the Phenom II or Athlon II because i assume a CPU is more powerful than an APU. And which APU is better.

Why must it be so confusing.
 
Solution
You should simply focus on the "FX" and the "A" series. The FX series are CPUs; they are socket AM3+. The A series are primarily APUs which means they have a CPU (less powerful than FX series) and graphics core; they are socket FM2+. There are socket FM2+ processors that are CPUs; basically the graphics core either does not exist, or has been deactivated because it is defective. They are known as Athlon CPUs.

Socket AM3+
FX-83xx = 8 Cores - Their performance is more or less between a 1st gen and 2nd gen Core i5 CPU.
FX-63xx = 6 Cores
FX-43xx = 4 cores -Their performance is more or less between a 1st gen and 2nd gen Core i3 CPU.
FX-9xxx = 8 core - Basically overclocked versions of the FX-8350. Runs very hot and uses a lot of...
Most of these are pretty old , the problem comes from AMD naming some CPUs with old names
For example athlon x4 860k is an APU A10-7850k with the GPU part disabled .

Athlon/Sempron/Athlon II/ are pretty old CPU only .
Athlon APU / Sempron APU is a family of simple low-powered APUs that has CPU+GPU parts , they are for simple usage
Phenom II/ Phenom x4/3/2 is old powerful CPU at their time , still a good option today if you have them in your PC .
FX series family of high powered CPU only , these are still produced today and are the best what AMD can offer right now .
A series APUs these are low powered FX cores with a GPU , amd calls them APUs , they are good for budget gaming builds
athlon x4 is an A10 APU but without GPU part for a cheaper price

if you want a second powered CPU from amd you would be looking in
APUs A10/A8
Athlon x4 (requires a GPU)
FX 6300

You are better by buying your amd CPU for your usage , not for being second in power as the difference in the CPUs is something to consider , you may need extra or less cores depending on your usage .
 
You should simply focus on the "FX" and the "A" series. The FX series are CPUs; they are socket AM3+. The A series are primarily APUs which means they have a CPU (less powerful than FX series) and graphics core; they are socket FM2+. There are socket FM2+ processors that are CPUs; basically the graphics core either does not exist, or has been deactivated because it is defective. They are known as Athlon CPUs.

Socket AM3+
FX-83xx = 8 Cores - Their performance is more or less between a 1st gen and 2nd gen Core i5 CPU.
FX-63xx = 6 Cores
FX-43xx = 4 cores -Their performance is more or less between a 1st gen and 2nd gen Core i3 CPU.
FX-9xxx = 8 core - Basically overclocked versions of the FX-8350. Runs very hot and uses a lot of power.

Socket FM2+
A10-78xx = 4 cores + most powerful integrated graphics core
A8-76xx = 4 cores + moderately powerful integrated graphics core
A6-74xx = 2 core + rather weak integrated graphics core.
Athlon 4X 8xx = 4 Core and no integrated graphics
 
Solution