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In terms of specification, the AMD A10-6700 is ranked just below the range-topping AMD A10-6800K. Both use the same built-in graphics processor, both have 4MB of level 2 cache and both have four cores, but there are two big differences.
The first is that the A10-6700 has a lower clock speed than the A10-6800K. It runs at a base clock speed of 3.7GHz with a 4.3GHz boost speed, whereas the A10-6800K runs at a base clock speed of 4.1GHz and boosts to 4.4GHz. The A10-6700 also has a lower TDP of 65W, whereas the A10-6800K’s 100W TDP. The second difference is that the A10-6700 is locked, which means you can’t overclock it.
Although the A10-6700 has a lower base and boost clock speeds, the difference in performance between the two processors isn’t huge. The A10-6700 scored 67 overall in our benchmark tests, with scores of 81, 64 and 64 in the image-editing, video-editing and multitasking segments respectively. The A10-6800K scored a slightly higher 71 in the tests, with scores of 83, 69 and 68 in the image-editing, video-editing and multitasking segments respectively. The A10-6800K’s higher performance is certainly welcome, but we could easily live with the performance of the A10-6700.
AMD’s Trinity processors were famed for their built-in graphics processors, and the graphical performance of the new Richland chips is just as impressive. We ran our Dirt Showdown benchmark at a resolution of 1,280×720 with 4x anti-aliasing and High graphics quality and were pleased to see a smooth average frame rate of 42.8fps. Sadly, it scored less highly in our more graphically challenging Crysis 2 test, scoring just 24.8fps at a resolution of 1,280×720 with High quality settings. We say just, but that’s still a great score for the built-in graphics processor of a processor at this price.
If you’re willing to compromise on graphics settings and play at lower resolutions, you could possibly forego a discrete graphics card and rely on the built-in GPU to play games. The A10-6700 also played high bitrate, Full HD video smoothly.
The A10-6700’s main rival is the cheaper dual-core Intel Core i3-3220, which scored 60 overall in our benchmark tests and failed our Dirt Showdown graphics test. Although we like the Core i3-3220, and wouldn’t dissuade anyone from buying one if it fits their needs and budget, we think the A10-6700’s better graphics processor and higher performance make it a better option for budget PC builds.
| Basic Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Processor core | Richland |
| Rating | ***** |
| Processor clock speed | 3.7GHz |
| Processor socket | FM2 |
| Processor process | 32nm |
| Processor number of cores | 4 |
| Processor supported instructions | MMX, SSE 1, 2, 3, 3S, 4.1, 4.2, 4A, X86-64, AMD-V, AES, AVX, XOP |
| Processor multiplier | x37 |
| Processor external bus | 100MHz |
| Level 1 cache | 2x 64KB |
| Level 2 cache | 2x 2,048KB |
| Processor level 3 cache | N/A |
| Supported memory type | DDR3 |
| Processor power rating (TDP) | 65W |
| Price | £115 |
| Supplier | http://www.scan.co.uk |
| Details | www.amd.com |
