Lately, building your own PC has become cheaper and more convenient. Although to say that it is easier, it is impossible. Usually you have to pick up components for a long time, looking for a balanced system. The simplest thing in this matter is to decide on the base.
We will consider an AMD product. 6600K turned out to be a good processor. Learn more later.
About processor
The world saw this model in 2013. She appeared and took her place in the AMD Richland APU family. Moreover, the novelty was immediately in the middle, as an intermediate model. As a result, the average cost was also due to this. At that time it was 105 dollars. While other processors cost $ 70 and $ 140.
Next to these chips were models with locked multipliers. The AMD Trinity APU family could compete. Therefore, it was not so easy for users to choose a successful hybrid processor model.
Packaging
The AMD A8-6600K review is worth starting over, which means packaging. The model was delivered in standard packaging. So prepare all the models for sale. Before us is a massive box of black in the style of Black Edition. This is no coincidence, the model just refers to this type of chip. The inscription Black Edition indicates that we have a processor with an unlocked multiplier.
On the sides are the parameters and features of the AMD A8-6600K. There is information about new technologies. As well as configuration data and support for existing adapters. But we'll talk about the latter later.
In the box there is not only a chip, but also a cooler for it. It is full-time, so you should not have high hopes for it. In addition, if the system is not equipped with a powerful cooling system, then you still have to buy a high-quality cooler.
The radiator base is square. The plates extend into four sections from it. Everything is made of aluminum, which is naturally not good enough. A 70 mm fan has a power of 8.4 watts. If the body of the cooling system is of high quality, then a regular cooler will be enough. It does not allow the processor to heat up. Keeps the temperature within 57 degrees. Moreover, the critical temperature is 74 degrees.
Appearance
Little can be said about the design of the AMD A8-6600K processor. Nothing remarkable, he does not stand out. Specialists will immediately see that this is Socket FM2. There is some information on the front side. It indicates the marking and country of manufacture.
Specification
Not all specifications can provide clear information. But they need to know in order to build a balanced system. So, the frequency of the chip reaches 3.9 GHz. In turbo mode, this figure reaches 4.2 GHz.
The model belongs to the Richland family. Based on Piledriver architecture. AMD A8-6600 got 4/4 cores. A chip was fabricated according to the 32 nm manufacturing process. Supports a number of useful technologies.
It can work with 64 GB of RAM and type DDR3. Deals with dual channel memory architecture. Supports DirectX 11, OpenCL 1.1, OpenGL 4.2, and DirectCompute 11.
Technologies
Among the popular technologies are AMD Eyefinity and AMD Dual Graphics. The first option is working on the formation of multi-monitor configurations and resolutions up to 5760x1200. Dual Graphics combines the power of an integrated graphics core with a discrete card.
Characteristics
For 2013, the specifications of the AMD A8-6600K were good. In normal mode, the chip worked with 3.9 GHz. The reference frequencies were 100 MHz. The multiplier is "x39". In everyday work, the voltage on the core does not exceed 1.3 V.
If we take into account automatic overclocking, then the multiplier increases to "x41", respectively, the frequency increases to 4100 MHz, and the voltage is 1.4 V. If you load the processor, then this speed value will stably show. In the event that not all processor cores are involved in the work, the frequency may become 4.2 GHz. At the same time, Turbo Core 3.0 technology is automatically turned on, which just appeared in the models of this generation.
If the chip is in idle mode, then the multiplier drops to “x19”, the frequency decreases to 1900 MHz, and the voltage does not exceed 0.9 V.
Testing
APU AMD A8-6600K passed a series of tests. As a result, it was possible to conclude that turbo modes had a slight effect on operational efficiency. They improved productivity by 3-5%. This is due to the fact that the frequency increased by only 200-300 MHz.
The competitors of this model are Intel Core i3-3220 and AMD FX-4130 processors . The hero of the review is not inferior to the above chips. The gap was literally 5%.
The disadvantage of the product from AMD was the lack of integrated graphics. Therefore, if in addition to computing power you need the launch of 3D applications, you will not find competitors in this segment. But if the question is in the gaming component, then it is better to choose chips such as Intel Core i3-3220.
Overclocking
Overclocking the AMD A8-6600K chip is a must. In addition, previous models showed a good overclocking result. First you need to raise the multiplier to "x47". So the frequency increases to 4.7 GHz. But the base frequency is fixed - 100 MHz. To achieve this speed, it is necessary to increase the voltage to 1.4 V.
I was glad that the increase did not affect stability in any way. All stress tests passed without errors. The maximum temperature was only 65 degrees, which, of course, did not reach critical heating.
The growth rate of 20% is more significant. As a result, productivity increased by 14%. This increase is noticeable during operation. Therefore, conducting such an optimization is important and useful. The only thing that is desirable to still get an improved cooling system. Since, due to increased voltage, heating becomes noticeable, and a regular cooler copes with difficulty.
Overclocking and subjected the graphics core AMD Radeon HD 8570D. Gently and without any unpleasant consequences, we managed to increase the speed from 844 to 1086 MHz. It was also successful that such improvements did not require an increase in the core voltage. As a result, relative to the nominal value, the parameter was increased by 28%.
Productivity also rose 17%. If you have the opportunity and ability to optimize the video core, do it. You will not regret the result.
Reviews
The AMD A8-6600K received only good responses. Users who understood which model they chose were satisfied. They praised the chip for its power, overclocking ability. Some managed to raise the frequency to 5 GHz. An integrated graphics card for standard tasks also worked.
Buyers were sure that the best option for the money could not be found. Someone has found better performance regarding Intel Core i3 models. It was also noted that the processor for everyday use will remain relevant. After 4 years, one can argue with this, but at that time the option really looked promising.
The complaints concerned only elevated temperatures. Under loads, some users recorded a temperature of 105 degrees. Given that the critical 74 degrees, such an indicator instantly turned off the system. Therefore, a regular cooler was almost always replaced with improved CO.
Output
It is important to understand that this model is finicky. It requires a specific graphics card to the AMD A8-6600K processor. It is advisable to choose an option from the AMD Radeon HD 6000 line. But the most successful were the AMD Radeon HD 6570 and HD 6670 models.
Otherwise, the AMD Richland APU chip turned out to be a good option for an average system. Among his older and younger brothers, he nevertheless approaches the first. Of course, he will not be able to compete with discrete options, but if someone needs a powerful graphics core, then the chip will become indispensable.
Remember the overclocking capabilities of this model. She has excellent overclocking potential. Automatic improvement does not give the desired result, but manual settings can increase productivity by 13-17%.