Is this quad core CPU faster than a dual core CPU?

Guest · Sep 13, 2015

Hi there,

Was a bit puzzled by the fact that the latest AMD Athlon 5150 is only 1.6GHZ. But it is also quad core. Why is it got such a slow clock speed which is slower than the older Athlons?

Supernova1138 · Sep 13, 2015

The Athlon 5150 is a really low powered chip that is meant more for ultra small form factor systems that don't have the space for larger heatsinks or lots of fans. It's got a low clockspeed to save on power and keep the temperatures down. If you're looking for serious performance and not just a basic system for web browsing and video playback that can be put in a really compact case, you shouldn't be looking at the AM1 platform at all.

giantbucket · Sep 13, 2015

eh, AMD's quad core is equivalent to a dual core with hyperthreading. their quad-core tends to be made of two modules, and each module has 2 cores with shared memory banks.

and yeah, that 5150 (aside from the cool EVH name) is not meant as a solid desktop processor, it's meant for low power budget machines that are deployed in schools or a community centre or someplace where every fraction of a dollar is scrutinized. heck, they don't even use four screws to secure the heatsink, just two! those extra two screws cost money. no, seriously, look at it. look at a typical AM1 motherboard and see how naked it is.

Guest · Sep 13, 2015

Would you recommend the Athlon 5350 for a budget PC for surfing the web, running Windows 8, checking emails and watching DVD's? I'm pairing it with a 120GB SSD and 8GB Kingston HyperX Fury RAM

giantbucket · Sep 13, 2015

since you're spending money on at least good SSD / RAM, i'd move up to Kaveri. whichever one is on sale at a good price. i briefly looked at the 5150/5350/etc but it seems it's just too.... low-end? budget? i dunno, considering how much better Kaveri or a Pentium G is, i'm not sure it's worthwhile as a product. builders still need to spend a few bucks on memory, cases, power supplies, etc, so saving $20 on the cpu/mobo isn't huge.

now, if you're reusing old stuff from the bottom of a box in a garage, then a 5150/5350/whatever is a cheap quick way to get something built.

do an exercise - put together a sample build that you'd be ok with using the 5350, and then do the same using an A8-7600 or even A4-6320 or whatnot (FM2 / FM2+), and see what your total cost is for one versus the other. how much do you save overall, in dollars and in percent? sometimes an exercise like that puts things into perspective, especially if you're having to buy other parts as well.

Guest · Sep 13, 2015

Yes I am reusing parts from my old computer currently running a single code Sempron at 2.8GHZ. I am on a tight budget as I have to buy Windows, a case, and a monitor. Saving power where possible is vital in my house as we have so many computers and tech lol.

giantbucket · Sep 13, 2015

since legit Windows is $80-plus, and you're on a tight budget, i'd seriously consider Linux being that it's legally free. some of the money could then be used for better hardware, and you'd learn new things about computers and making stuff work.

or if you really want Windows and are eager to learn, get Server 2012R2 Essentials. you get 180 days to try it out, but after that you can legally (weird loophole) keep it for free instead of paying $500 as long as you don't mind the desktop CONSTANTLY telling you that it's not registered.

Guest · Sep 13, 2015

I have tried Linux and while I will use it after support for Windows 8.1 I don't want to use it at the moment as the UI is unfammiliar and the lack of programs for it. My Wifi Dongle will not work with Linux.

I am in the UK and I have a budget of £200 which is almost $310. Windows 8.1 costs £74.99, which is $115, my CPU and motherboard come to £60 which is $92. Finally my Corsair 100R Silent Edition case costs £47.99 which is $74. In total it comes to £182.43 which is $281.

Guest · Sep 13, 2015

What about the A4 5300 Dual core at 3.4GHZ?

Gene Razak · Sep 13, 2015

Given your small budget you may want to consider the following:

1) Using Windows 7. Based on Amazon prices you can save around 40 GBP there and you'll still have a proven and familiar Windows environment.

2) Do you really need a case? It sounds like you're planning to strip down the old computer, so the new one might as well use the same case. Or, unless you really want that particular case, you could check Ebay. With luck you might get one for 10-20 GBP including postage.

That might free up a some cash for hardware.

Guest · Sep 14, 2015

Windows 7 is £69.95 and Windows 8 is £72. So there is not much difference. I could get the same case but cheaper but I want the more expensive one as it claims ti be silent - and my current case is very noisy.

Guest · Sep 14, 2015

OK, what I am going to do is get the FX6300 at 3.4GHZ which is 6 cores, then Windows 8.1, the Corsair 100R Windowed edition, and then a new case fan. I may consider buying a 1TB drive for storage.

Cryio · Sep 14, 2015

AMD's quad core CPU's are on par with Intel's dual core Pentium. So I'd really advice against a dual core APU if possible. It may be enough, but I don't see dual core APUs at 3.8 Ghz in a good light.

Your best bet would be to get an A8 7600 and not worrying about performance.

giantbucket · Sep 14, 2015

um, the FX procesors have NO graphics built in so you'd need to find a mobo that has basic graphics on it (which is lame) or buy a separate graphics card. In all, not a budget choice.

A8-7600 would be good, or even some of the A6-7xxx choices. or A6-6xxx if they're on a great sale. i'd rater go for a one-gen-old A6-6xxx than an A4-7xxx.

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