AMD A10-7890K

The AMD A10-7890K is a desktop processor built on the Steamroller architecture and manufactured on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It features four cores and four threads, with a base clock of 4.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The chip includes 256 KB of L1 cache and 4 MB of L2 cache, and it integrates a Radeon R7 GPU. Its average benchmark score of 1035 places it at the 28th percentile among all CPUs, indicating a modest performance tier. This analysis examines its benchmark results, platform compatibility, and ideal use cases.

Benchmark Performance

The A10-7890K delivers a Cinebench R15 multicore score of 303, a Cinebench R20 multicore score of 1263, and a single-core score of 178. In Cinebench R23, it scores 3009 multicore and 424 single-core. These absolute numbers show a processor that handles basic multi-threaded tasks but falls well behind modern high-core-count parts. The average benchmark score of 1035 is the key aggregate metric. It places the CPU at the 28th percentile of all tested processors, meaning it sits in the lower portion of the performance distribution.

When compared to its nearest rivals, the A10-7890K is effectively tied. The Intel Pentium G4560 and Intel Core i3-1000NG4 both have an average score of 1035, resulting in a 0% delta. The AMD A10-9700 scores 1034, a 0.1% deficit, while the AMD A8-7680 scores 1036, a 0.1% advantage. These deltas are within measurement noise, so the A10-7890K offers no meaningful performance edge over any of these four competitors. The single-core R23 score of 424 is the highest of the listed Cinebench numbers, but without rival single-core data, it cannot be placed in context beyond its absolute value. The multicore scores are consistent with a four-thread part; the R23 multicore score of 3009 suggests limited scaling from single-core to multi-core, as the processor lacks simultaneous multithreading.

In practical terms, the benchmark data indicates that the A10-7890K is an entry-level desktop CPU. Its performance is sufficient for light productivity and casual use, but it will struggle with heavy multi-threaded workloads such as video encoding or 3D rendering. The 28th percentile ranking reinforces this: it sits in the lower quarter of all CPUs, so it is not a high-performance part.

How It Compares

Intel Pentium G4560: The A10-7890K and the Intel Pentium G4560 share an identical average benchmark score of 1035, resulting in a 0% delta. This parity means the two processors deliver the same overall performance in the aggregated benchmark suite.

Intel Core i3-1000NG4: Similarly, the Core i3-1000NG4 matches the A10-7890K exactly, with a 0% delta and the same 1035 average score. The data shows no performance difference between these two parts.

AMD A10-9700: The AMD A10-9700 posts an average score of 1034, which is 0.1% lower than the A10-7890K's 1035. This negligible difference indicates the two AMD processors are effectively interchangeable in benchmark terms.

AMD A8-7680: The AMD A8-7680 edges out the A10-7890K with an average score of 1036, a 0.1% advantage (delta of -0.1% for the A10-7890K). This is the only rival that outperforms the A10-7890K, but the margin is trivial and unlikely to be noticeable in real-world use. All four rivals fall within a narrow performance band, making the A10-7890K a typical representative of this performance class.

Platform and Compatibility

The A10-7890K uses the AMD Socket FM2+ interface, a platform that supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The memory bus delivers a theoretical bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, which is modest by modern standards. ECC memory is not supported, so the chip is not aimed at server or error-critical workloads. For expansion, the CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, but these are dedicated to the CPU only; there is no support for additional PCIe lanes from the chipset. The integrated Radeon R7 GPU provides basic display output, eliminating the need for a discrete graphics card for simple tasks.

The chip is built on GlobalFoundries' 28 nm process and contains 2,411 million transistors on a 245 mm² die. The architecture is Steamroller, with the codename Godaveri, and it is part of the A10 generation (Godaveri). The multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking within the limits of the platform. The production status is end-of-life, meaning AMD has discontinued the model. The part number is AD789KXDI44JCAD789KXDJCHBX. For upgrade paths, the FM2+ socket is a legacy platform; given the end-of-life status, users should not expect future CPU releases for this socket. The DDR3 memory support also limits compatibility with newer systems that use DDR4 or DDR5.

FAQ

Q: What is the base clock speed of the A10-7890K?

A: The base clock is 4.00 GHz, with a boost clock of 4.30 GHz.

Q: Does the A10-7890K support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What type of memory does the A10-7890K use?

A: It uses DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s.

Q: What integrated graphics does the A10-7890K include?

A: It includes a Radeon R7 integrated GPU.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked on the A10-7890K?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking.

Q: What is the production status of the A10-7890K?

A: The production status is end-of-life.

Who Should Consider It

The A10-7890K is best suited for users who need a basic desktop processor for everyday tasks. Its four cores and 4.30 GHz boost clock provide adequate responsiveness for web browsing, office applications, and media playback. The integrated Radeon R7 GPU handles simple graphics and video output, so a discrete GPU is not necessary for non-gaming use. However, the CPU's 28th percentile ranking and low average score (1035) mean it is not appropriate for demanding workloads.

For gaming, the A10-7890K can run older or less demanding titles at low settings, but the integrated Radeon R7 is not designed for modern AAA games. The CPU's low multi-threaded performance, as evidenced by a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 3009, will bottleneck heavy game physics and AI. Gamers should look elsewhere.

For content creation, the A10-7890K is a poor fit. The R23 multicore score of 3009 and R20 multicore score of 1263 indicate limited parallel processing capability. Video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation will be slow. The single-core R23 score of 424 is also low, so even single-threaded tasks like photo editing will not benefit from high per-core performance.

For office and general productivity, the A10-7890K is adequate. It matches the Intel Pentium G4560 in average score, and that processor is widely used in entry-level office PCs. The A10-7890K's unlocked multiplier offers some overclocking headroom, though the platform's DDR3 memory and end-of-life status limit future upgrades. Users who require a complete system with integrated graphics and do not plan to upgrade for several years may find the A10-7890K acceptable, but the data clearly shows it is a low-end part.