AMD A6 PRO-7400B

The AMD A6 PRO-7400B is a dual-core desktop processor from the Kaveri generation, built on the Steamroller architecture and a 28 nm process. It holds a modest 8th percentile ranking among all CPUs, placing it firmly in the entry-level performance class. Its average benchmark score of 479 lands it in a tight cluster of older or low-power rivals, with the closest competitor being the Intel Core i3-560 at a 0.2% higher score. The processor operates at a base clock of 3.50 GHz with a boost up to 3.90 GHz, and it integrates a Radeon R5 graphics solution, making it a complete package for basic desktop tasks.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The A6 PRO-7400B features 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning it has no simultaneous multithreading. This creates a significant split between its single-core and multi-core capabilities. In Cinebench R23, the processor scores 196 points in single-core and 1394 points in multi-core, which is a roughly 7x scaling factor, but with only two physical cores, the multi-core advantage is inherently limited. The single-core score of 82 in Cinebench R20 highlights that the Steamroller architecture, despite its 3.90 GHz boost clock, cannot match the per-core efficiency of newer designs.

Real-world implications are straightforward. Applications that rely on a single primary thread—such as older games, spreadsheet recalculation, or lightweight web browsing—will see performance closer to the single-core score. The data indicates that the processor will handle these tasks with acceptable responsiveness but without any headroom for heavy multitasking. Conversely, workloads that can utilize both cores, like video encoding in older software or file compression, will benefit from the multi-core score, but the lack of additional threads means that background tasks will contend with foreground applications for the same execution resources.

The dual-core, dual-thread configuration is a bottleneck in modern multi-threaded environments. For example, a modern web browser with dozens of tabs or a productivity suite running background indexing will saturate both threads quickly, leading to noticeable stuttering. The benchmark split shows that the processor is best suited for single-thread-dominant workloads where its 3.90 GHz boost can be fully utilized, rather than for parallel compute that demands more than two execution threads.

Power and Thermals

The processor carries a 65 W TDP, which is a standard figure for desktop CPUs of its era and architecture. This rating implies that a basic air cooler, such as a stock cooler or a low-profile third-party unit, is sufficient for thermal management. The 28 nm process and the 2,411 million transistor count on a 245 mm² die suggest that the power density is moderate, allowing for quiet operation under typical office loads.

Given the 65 W TDP, system integrators can pair this processor with compact power supplies and small-form-factor cases without concern. The absence of a high core count keeps heat generation predictable, and the integrated Radeon R5 graphics means no separate GPU is required for basic display output, further reducing overall system power draw. The data shows no extreme thermal requirements; the processor operates within a conventional desktop power envelope.

The socket is AMD Socket FM2+, which is a platform that predates modern AM4 designs. This limits upgrade paths, but for a system built around this socket, the 65 W TDP ensures that even modest motherboard VRM designs are adequate. The boost clock of 3.90 GHz will generate some additional heat under sustained load, but the dual-core design does not push the thermal solution to its limits. In summary, the power and thermal profile is unremarkable, requiring only a capable air cooler and standard desktop power delivery.

Benchmark Performance

The A6 PRO-7400B’s average benchmark score of 479 places it in a near-tie with several older Intel and AMD parts. The closest rival is the Intel Core i3-560, which scores 480, a delta of -0.2% (meaning the A6 is essentially equivalent). The Intel Core M-5Y10 also scores 480, with a delta of -0.3%, indicating that the A6 matches a low-power mobile chip in overall performance. Against the AMD Athlon II X3 435, the A6 is 0.4% faster with a score of 477, and it is 0.8% ahead of the Intel Core i3-550, which scores 475. These deltas are all within a 1% band, showing that the A6 PRO-7400B is statistically indistinguishable from these rivals in aggregate performance.

In specific Cinebench tests, the multi-core scores tell a clearer story. The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 140 is low by modern standards, but it aligns with the dual-core layout. The R20 multi-core score of 585 and the R23 multi-core score of 1394 show linear scaling with the R15 score, confirming consistent performance across benchmark versions. The single-core R20 score of 82 and R23 score of 196 are similarly consistent, but they reveal a weakness: the A6’s single-core performance is not competitive with even entry-level modern processors, which typically score above 300 in R23 single-core.

The percentile rank of 8 means that 92% of CPUs in the database perform better. This is a stark indicator of the processor’s age and limited capability. The nearest rivals, all being older Intel Core i3 or AMD Athlon parts, confirm that the A6 PRO-7400B is positioned in the same performance tier as CPUs from the 2009–2012 era. The deltaPct values show that there is no meaningful performance separation between the A6 and its closest competitors; any of these parts would deliver nearly identical user experience in most applications.

Who Should Consider It

The benchmark data suggests that the A6 PRO-7400B is only suitable for basic, single-thread-dominant office tasks. A system built around this processor can handle word processing, spreadsheet management, email, and web browsing with moderate tabs open. The integrated Radeon R5 graphics eliminates the need for a discrete GPU, making it a low-cost option for a legacy desktop or a home server running lightweight services. The dual-core design will struggle with modern productivity suites that have background processes, but for a focused, single-app workflow, it is adequate.

Gamers should avoid this processor entirely. The single-core score of 196 in Cinebench R23 is far below the threshold for modern game physics and AI logic, and the dual-core limitation will cause frame pacing issues in titles that require more than two threads. The integrated Radeon R5 is not suited for any 3D gaming beyond very old or low-resolution titles. For content creation, the multi-core scores of 585 (R20) and 1394 (R23) are too low for video rendering or heavy photo editing; such workloads will take several times longer than on a modern quad-core part.

The processor is best suited for users who have an existing FM2+ motherboard and need a cheap, low-power replacement CPU for a secondary machine. It can also serve as a basic point-of-sale terminal or a thin client where the workload is strictly single-threaded and intermittent. The 65 W TDP allows for fanless or near-silent cooling solutions in such applications. However, for any user considering a new build, the 8th percentile ranking and the tight grouping with decade-old rivals make it a poor choice. The data shows no scenario where this processor offers a performance advantage over its listed rivals, so selection should be based on platform availability rather than capability.

FAQ

Q: How does the AMD A6 PRO-7400B compare to the Intel Core i3-560?

A: The A6 PRO-7400B has an average benchmark score of 479, while the Intel Core i3-560 scores 480. The delta is -0.2%, meaning the A6 is essentially tied with the i3-560 in overall performance.

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP) of this processor?

A: The TDP is 65 watts. This indicates that a standard air cooler is sufficient, and the processor is suitable for compact desktop systems with conventional power supplies.

Q: Does this processor support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The processor supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration with a maximum bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s.

Q: What integrated graphics does the A6 PRO-7400B include?

A: It includes a Radeon R5 integrated graphics solution. This allows for basic display output without a discrete graphics card, but it is not intended for 3D gaming.

Q: What is the processor’s performance percentile ranking?

A: It ranks in the 8th percentile among all CPUs in the database. This indicates that 92% of processors perform better on average benchmark scores.

Q: How many cores and threads does the A6 PRO-7400B have?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads. This means no hyper-threading is available, limiting parallel task handling to two execution threads.