AMD A6-7470K

The AMD A6-7470K is a dual-core, two-thread desktop processor built on the Steamroller architecture and the Godaveri codename. It runs at a 3.70 GHz base clock and boosts to 4.00 GHz, carries a 65 W TDP, and integrates a Radeon R5 graphics core. Released in February 2016 and now marked as end-of-life, it sits in the 10th percentile of all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 526. That places it in a tight cluster of older AMD parts, all within a fraction of a percent of each other. The CPU supports DDR3 memory on a dual-channel bus, offers 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, and uses the AMD Socket FM2+ platform. For anyone working with a legacy FM2+ board or seeking a low-power, integrated-graphics solution for undemanding tasks, this chip is a functional, if unremarkable, option.

Who Should Consider It

The A6-7470K is not a performance part. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1529 and single-core score of 215 are extremely low by modern standards, and the R20 numbers (642 multi-core, 90 single-core) reinforce that. The 10th percentile ranking means roughly 90% of all CPUs in the database outperform it. That makes it suitable only for basic computing: office document editing, web browsing, email, and light media playback. The integrated Radeon R5 graphics can drive a display without a discrete GPU, so it works for simple home-theater PCs or secondary desktops where no gaming or heavy rendering is expected. Because it has only two threads, any workload that scales across multiple cores will leave it far behind. For users who already own an FM2+ motherboard and need a drop-in replacement for a failed processor, the A6-7470K is a valid, low-cost choice—but only if the workload is trivial. It is not for content creation, modern gaming, or any form of video encoding. The end-of-life status means it is a legacy part, so buyers should only consider it for existing systems or niche projects where performance is not a priority.

How It Compares

The A6-7470K’s nearest rivals are all within a whisker of its average score of 526. Against the AMD A6-7480, the difference is just 0.1%—the A6-7470K is essentially identical. Both have the same 526 average score, so in practice they are interchangeable. The AMD Opteron 1381 scores 525 on average, and the A6-7470K is 0.2% faster. That margin is negligible. The AMD Athlon II X3 445 averages 527, making the A6-7470K 0.2% slower—again, a rounding error in real usage. The AMD Athlon II X4 600e also averages 525, and the A6-7470K is 0.3% faster. In all four comparisons, the performance deltas are under a third of a percent. This means the A6-7470K is not meaningfully better or worse than any of these older chips; it sits in a flat performance plateau. The only differentiator is platform and features, not raw compute. For someone upgrading from one of these rivals, there is no performance benefit—only the same level of capability with a different socket or integrated graphics option.

Power and Thermals

The A6-7470K has a TDP of 65 W, which places it in the mainstream power envelope for desktop CPUs. This is a modest figure, so it does not require an exotic cooling solution. A basic air cooler—the kind that ships with many retail processors—is more than adequate to keep it within operating limits. The 28 nm process node from GlobalFoundries contributes to the moderate power draw, though the die size is relatively large at 245 mm² and the transistor count is 2,411 million. That combination suggests a chip that is not particularly power-efficient by modern standards, but the 65 W TDP keeps thermal management simple. In a small form-factor case or a compact desktop, a low-profile cooler will suffice. The lack of an unlocked multiplier (the part is not multiplier-unlocked) means overclocking headroom is limited, so users should not plan to push voltages or frequencies. The thermal behavior is predictable: under sustained multi-threaded load, the CPU will generate moderate heat, but nothing that stresses a typical mid-range cooler. For a legacy system, the 65 W rating is also a plus, as many older FM2+ motherboards are designed for exactly this power class.

Platform and Compatibility

The A6-7470K uses the AMD Socket FM2+ socket. This platform supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, so the CPU is not suited for error-correcting workloads. The processor provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU itself, which is enough for a single discrete graphics card or a couple of expansion cards. The integrated Radeon R5 graphics means no separate GPU is required for basic display output. However, the FM2+ socket is a dead end in terms of upgrade path—AMD has moved to AM4 and later sockets, and the A6-7470K is end-of-life. There are no higher-performance CPUs on FM2+ that would make sense to upgrade to, and the platform does not support DDR4 or PCIe Gen 4. For a new build, this platform is obsolete. For an existing FM2+ system, the A6-7470K is a drop-in replacement that will work with any DDR3 memory already installed. The dual-channel memory controller and the 29.9 GB/s bandwidth are sufficient for the CPU’s limited compute capability, but they are far from modern standards. The lack of ECC and the legacy socket make it a poor choice for servers or any mission-critical application.

FAQ

Q: Does the AMD A6-7470K support ECC memory?

A: No. The FACT PACK lists ECC memory as false, so the CPU does not support error-correcting code memory.

Q: What type of memory does the A6-7470K use?

A: It uses DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the A6-7470K provide?

A: The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only). This is enough for a single discrete graphics card or similar expansion.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. The multiplier is not unlocked, so overclocking is limited to what the base clock allows, which is not significant.

Q: What integrated graphics does the A6-7470K have?

A: It integrates a Radeon R5 GPU, which can handle basic display output without a separate graphics card.

Q: What is the TDP of the A6-7470K?

A: The TDP is 65 W, which requires only a modest air cooler for normal operation.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The A6-7470K’s benchmark scores reveal a striking split between its single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R20, the single-core score is 90, while the multi-core score is 642. The R23 results follow a similar pattern: single-core 215, multi-core 1529. The multi-core figures are several times larger than the single-core ones, but that is expected because the multi-core test engages both threads. However, the absolute numbers are low across the board. The single-thread scores are particularly weak—a 90 in R20 places it far below even entry-level modern CPUs. This means the A6-7470K will struggle with any application that relies heavily on per-core performance, such as web browsers with many tabs, spreadsheet calculations, or older games that are not well-threaded. The multi-core scores, while higher, are still not competitive; a score of 642 in R20 is roughly one-third of what a mid-range quad-core from the same era might achieve. The practical takeaway is that the CPU can handle light multitasking—a few office apps open simultaneously—but it will choke on anything that demands sustained single-thread throughput or heavy multi-threaded workloads. The 10th percentile ranking confirms that both aspects are below average. Users should expect slow response times in demanding applications and should not attempt any form of video editing or 3D rendering on this chip. The only positive is that the integrated Radeon R5 can offload some graphics tasks, but the CPU itself remains the bottleneck. In short, the A6-7470K is a dual-thread part with weak single-core performance and only modest multi-core gains, making it a poor fit for anything beyond basic desktop use.