AMD A10-6790B

The AMD A10-6790B is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop APU built on the Piledriver architecture (codename Richland) at GlobalFoundries' 32nm process. It runs at a 4.00 GHz base clock with a 4.30 GHz boost, carries 192 KB of L1 and 4 MB of L2 cache, and integrates a Radeon HD 8670D graphics core. Released on 2013-10-27, the part is now end-of-life and sits at the 50th percentile among all CPUs tracked in this database.

How It Compares

The A10-6790B occupies the exact midpoint of the performance distribution, ranking at the 50th percentile among all CPUs in the database. This position indicates a processor that is neither a performance leader nor a bottom-tier part; it sits squarely in the middle of the field. The database records no individual benchmark scores for this part — its benchmark array is empty and the average score is 0 — so the percentile rank is the primary quantitative anchor for its standing.

No nearest-rival entries are recorded for the A10-6790B, which means direct score-to-score comparisons against specific competing parts are not available in this dataset. The absence of rival data is itself notable: it suggests the part's position in the database is defined by its percentile rather than by head-to-head matchups. What can be said from the data is that a 50th-percentile rank places it above roughly half of all tracked CPUs and below the other half, a genuinely mid-pack result. The 4.00 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost clocks are comparatively high for a 32nm part, but the Piledriver architecture's modest per-core efficiency means those clock speeds do not translate into top-tier performance. The 4 MB L2 cache and lack of L3 further reinforce a mid-range profile.

Power and Thermals

The A10-6790B is rated at a 100W TDP, placing it in a mainstream desktop power class. This is a moderate thermal envelope for a quad-core part from the 32nm era. The die measures 246 mm² and contains 1,303 million transistors, a relatively large die for the process node, which helps spread heat across a wider surface area. A standard desktop air cooler with adequate airflow is sufficient for this TDP class; the 100W rating does not demand exotic liquid cooling or oversized heatsinks. The integrated Radeon HD 8670D graphics core shares the same die and contributes to the overall thermal load, so system builders should account for combined CPU-plus-GPU heat output when selecting a cooler. The 4.30 GHz boost clock is sustainable under typical workloads with a capable air cooler, though sustained all-core loads at maximum boost will push the thermal envelope toward its limit. The locked multiplier means users cannot adjust clock ratios to trade power for performance, so the 100W TDP is effectively fixed by the stock configuration.

Platform and Compatibility

The A10-6790B uses AMD Socket FM2, a platform that is now end-of-life. The processor supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration with a peak bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, which limits the part to consumer and entry-level professional builds rather than error-correcting server environments. PCIe support is Gen 2, an older generation of the interconnect standard, which limits bandwidth to add-in cards; the integrated Radeon HD 8670D graphics core means the platform can operate without a discrete GPU entirely. The integrated graphics provides display output and basic 3D acceleration, making the A10-6790B a complete APU solution in a single socket. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking via clock-ratio adjustment is not available; users seeking frequency tuning would need to look at unlocked parts. The part number is AD679BWOA44HL. As an end-of-life product on an end-of-life socket, the upgrade path is confined to other processors that fit the FM2 socket; there is no forward migration path from this platform. The 32nm process and Piledriver architecture are both mature, and the platform's DDR3 memory support is a fixed constraint for any build using this processor.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the AMD A10-6790B use?

A: It uses AMD Socket FM2.

Q: Does the A10-6790B include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it integrates a Radeon HD 8670D graphics core.

Q: What type of memory does it support?

A: It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration with 29.9 GB/s of bandwidth. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: Can the multiplier be unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked.

Q: What is the manufacturing process?

A: The processor is built on a 32nm process at GlobalFoundries, using the Piledriver architecture (codename Richland).

Q: Is the A10-6790B still in production?

A: No, it is end-of-life. It was released on 2013-10-27.

Who Should Consider It

The A10-6790B is best suited to workloads that leverage its integrated Radeon HD 8670D graphics and its 4.00–4.30 GHz clock speeds. For gaming, the integrated graphics core allows entry-level 3D gaming without a discrete GPU, though the 32nm Piledriver CPU cores and DDR3 memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s will limit performance in modern titles. The 50th-percentile ranking indicates a mid-pack CPU that can handle older or less demanding games at playable settings.

For content creation, the 4 cores and 4 threads with a 4 MB L2 cache provide adequate throughput for lightly threaded tasks such as photo editing and audio production, but the lack of L3 cache and the modest per-core efficiency of Piledriver will bottleneck heavily threaded rendering or video encoding workloads. The 100W TDP makes it a reasonable fit for compact desktop builds where power draw is a consideration, provided adequate cooling is installed.

For office and productivity use, the 4.00 GHz base clock and 4.30 GHz boost deliver responsive performance in spreadsheet, word processing, and web browsing tasks, where single-thread speed matters more than core count. The integrated Radeon HD 8670D eliminates the need for a separate graphics card in basic desktop configurations, reducing system complexity. The dual-channel DDR3 support at 29.9 GB/s is sufficient for office workloads. However, the end-of-life status of both the processor and the FM2 socket means this is not a platform for future expansion; buyers should only consider it if they already own a compatible FM2 motherboard. The locked multiplier and lack of ECC further narrow its appeal to straightforward, non-overclocked, non-server builds. For users with existing FM2 platforms seeking a quad-core APU with integrated graphics, the A10-6790B is a capable drop-in option; for those building new systems, its mid-pack performance and end-of-life status make it a niche choice at best.