AMD A10-6790K

The AMD A10-6790K is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor built on the Piledriver architecture (Richland codename) using a 32nm process from GlobalFoundries. It operates at a base clock of 4.00 GHz with a boost clock of 4.30 GHz within a 100W TDP. In the broader database of all CPUs, it sits at the 50th percentile, placing it exactly at the median of all recorded processors. This positioning indicates a processor that is neither a performance outlier nor a laggard, but rather a middle-of-the-road part whose utility depends heavily on the specific workload.

Benchmark Performance

The A10-6790K's benchmark data is unusual: its average benchmark score is listed as 0, and its `nearestRivals` array is empty. This means the database currently contains no runnable benchmark results or comparable rival scores for this specific processor. Consequently, any quantitative performance analysis must be derived from its architectural specifications rather than direct measured scores. The 50th percentile ranking is a global position, not a score derived from comparative runs against immediate competitors. Without score deltas or rival data, the only definitive performance statements possible are those grounded in its clock speeds, cache hierarchy, and memory configuration.

The processor features a 192 KB L1 cache and a 4 MB L2 cache, with no L3 cache present. This cache arrangement is typical for the Richland generation, where the L2 is shared across all cores. The absence of L3 means that memory latency is more dependent on the dual-channel DDR3 memory subsystem, which is rated for 29.9 GB/s of bandwidth. For compute-bound tasks that fit within the 4 MB L2, the 4.30 GHz boost clock can deliver respectable throughput; however, workloads that exceed the L2 capacity will see performance degrade to memory-speed limits. The 32nm process node and 100W TDP also suggest thermal headroom is moderate, though the unlocked multiplier allows for manual overclocking to potentially push beyond the 4.30 GHz boost ceiling.

Who Should Consider It

Given the lack of measured benchmark scores, recommendations must be inferred from the architectural profile. For light to moderate office productivity, the 4.00 GHz base clock and 4.30 GHz boost provide responsive single-threaded execution for spreadsheet recalculation, document formatting, and web browsing. The integrated Radeon HD 8670D GPU handles 2D desktop composition and video playback without requiring a discrete card, making it a viable basis for a basic office PC. However, the 4-thread limit means heavily multi-threaded office suites that parallelize across many cores will not see scaling beyond four threads.

For casual gaming, the Radeon HD 8670D integrated graphics is a capable iGPU for older or less demanding titles at lower resolutions and detail settings. The 29.9 GB/s memory bandwidth is shared between CPU and GPU, which can become a bottleneck in memory-intensive games. The 4.30 GHz boost clock helps in CPU-bound game logic, but modern titles that require more than four threads will cause stuttering or low frame rates. This processor is not suited for modern triple-A gaming, high-refresh-rate esports, or any workload that demands more than four concurrent threads.

For content creation, the picture is mixed. Single-threaded tasks like photo editing in lightweight applications will benefit from the high boost clock. However, video encoding, 3D rendering, and compilation tasks that scale across many threads will be severely constrained by the 4-thread limit. The lack of L3 cache further hurts workloads with large working sets, such as complex scene graphs or large data processing. Users with such needs should look toward processors with more cores and a larger cache hierarchy. The 50th percentile global ranking reinforces that this is a mid-tier part, not a workstation or high-end creation tool.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The A10-6790K exhibits a significant behavioral split between single-thread and multi-thread performance, dictated by its 4.00 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost clocks. The boost clock is 7.5% higher than the base, a modest but meaningful increase for single-threaded tasks that can trigger the boost on one core. This means that applications like legacy software, some emulators, and lightly threaded games will see near-maximum clock speeds, providing responsive performance that belies the processor's age. The 4 MB L2 cache is private to the CPU (not shared with the iGPU), which helps single-threaded performance by keeping frequently accessed data close to the core.

In multi-threaded scenarios, the processor is limited to 4 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading (SMT). This means that a 4-core workload will saturate all threads, but any additional parallel tasks will queue. The boost clock behavior under multi-threaded load is also important: all cores may not sustain 4.30 GHz simultaneously, as thermal and power limits within the 100W TDP may cause the clock to drop closer to the 4.00 GHz base. The absence of L3 cache means that inter-core communication and shared data access must go through the memory controller, adding latency. Benchmark results would likely show a strong single-thread score relative to the multi-thread score, but without actual data, this remains an inference from the architecture.

How It Compares

The `nearestRivals` array is empty, meaning the database has no direct comparative scores for the A10-6790K. This precludes any quantitative deltaPct analysis or specific rival comparisons. The processor's only contextual anchor is the 50th percentile global rank, which places it in the middle of all CPUs ever tested. This suggests that while it is not a top performer, it is also not a weak one in absolute terms. In the absence of rival data, one can only state that its position implies it is roughly equivalent to a typical mid-range processor from its era, but specific comparisons to Intel Core i3 or older i5 parts cannot be made from the provided facts. Any claim about beating or losing to a specific rival would be unsupported.

FAQ

Q: What is the base and boost clock speed of the A10-6790K?

A: The base clock is 4.00 GHz, and the boost clock is 4.30 GHz.

Q: Does the processor have an unlocked multiplier for overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing manual overclocking beyond the stock boost clock.

Q: What integrated graphics does the A10-6790K include?

A: It includes the Radeon HD 8670D integrated graphics processor.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth and channel configuration?

A: It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a maximum bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s.

Q: How many cores and threads does the processor have?

A: It has 4 cores and 4 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading support.

Q: What is the process node and TDP?

A: The process node is 32nm, and the TDP is 100W.

Q: What is the L2 cache size?

A: The L2 cache is 4 MB, with no L3 cache present.