AMD Athlon X4 860K

The AMD Athlon X4 860K is a 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor built on the Steamroller architecture (Kaveri) using a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It runs at a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost of 4.00 GHz, with a 95 W TDP. Released on August 11, 2014, it is now end-of-life. Its average benchmark score is 943, placing it at the 24th percentile among all CPUs. With a 2,411-million-transistor die measuring 245 mm², the 860K targets budget-oriented builds, but its performance profile is best understood through the split between single-thread and multi-thread workloads.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Athlon X4 860K demonstrates a pronounced gap between its single-core and multi-core results. In Cinebench R23, it scores 411 in the single-core test and 2,918 in the multi-core test. That multi-core figure is roughly seven times the single-core score, reflecting the processor's ability to scale across its four physical cores. However, the single-core number itself is modest — a direct consequence of the Steamroller architecture's per-thread efficiency, which lags behind more modern designs. The Geekbench results tell a similar story: 454 in single-core and 1,126 in multi-core. The multi-core score is about 2.5 times the single-core score, again showing good scaling but limited per-thread capability.

This behavior has real implications for software. Applications that can distribute work evenly across all four threads — such as video encoding, 3D rendering, or batch file compression — will see the 860K perform relatively close to its potential. Conversely, tasks that rely on a single dominant thread, like many older games or lightly threaded productivity tools, will be bottlenecked by the low single-core score. The 24th percentile ranking overall underscores that the 860K sits in the lower quarter of all CPUs, a position driven largely by its weak single-thread showing. For workloads that are purely single-threaded, the 860K will feel dated; for heavily threaded workloads, it can still deliver usable throughput, though the absolute performance ceiling remains low.

Who Should Consider It

Given the benchmark data, the Athlon X4 860K is not a good match for modern gaming. Most contemporary game engines place heavy weight on single-thread performance, and the 860K's Cinebench R23 single-core score of 411 is far below what current titles expect. Even with a discrete GPU, the CPU would likely bottleneck frame rates in CPU-bound scenes. The lack of integrated graphics (the integratedGraphics field is null) means a dedicated graphics card is mandatory, adding to the overall system cost.

For creation workloads, the picture is slightly better. The multi-core scores of 2,918 in Cinebench R23 and 1,126 in Geekbench suggest that video editing, photo batch processing, or 3D rendering — tasks that can utilize all four cores — will see acceptable, if not impressive, performance. The 4 MB of L2 cache and dual-channel DDR3 memory at 34.1 GB/s provide a reasonable foundation for such tasks, but the 28 nm process and 2014-era architecture limit efficiency. Office work, web browsing, and document editing are well within the 860K's capabilities, as these are often single-thread-light and benefit from the four cores for multitasking. However, the low single-core score means even basic spreadsheet recalculation or script execution will not feel snappy by modern standards. In summary, the 860K is a viable choice only for budget-focused builds where multi-threaded throughput is the priority and single-thread latency is acceptable.

Benchmark Performance

The Athlon X4 860K's average benchmark score is 943. Its nearest rivals, based on average score, are the Intel Pentium Gold G5400T (943, delta 0%), Intel Core i7-2715QE (942, delta 0.1%), Intel Xeon X5560 (942, delta 0.1%), and AMD A8-7670K (944, delta -0.1%). These deltas are essentially negligible — all four rivals sit within 0.1% of the 860K's average score. This means that, on aggregate, the 860K performs statistically identically to those parts.

Looking at individual benchmarks, the 860K posts a Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 294 and a Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 1,225. Its Cinebench R20 single-core score is 172. In Cinebench R23, it reaches 2,918 multi-core and 411 single-core. Geekbench multi-core is 1,126 and single-core is 454. These numbers are all consistent with a processor that delivers modest multi-threaded throughput but lags in single-threaded tasks. The 24th percentile ranking further contextualizes the score: the 860K outperforms only about a quarter of all CPUs in the database. That places it in the same league as older low-end parts, not as a competitive modern option.

The deltaPct values from the nearest rivals reinforce the notion that the 860K is a mid-low tier part. The 0% delta against the Pentium Gold G5400T indicates that the 860K and that Pentium achieve the same average score, despite the Pentium being a dual-core (the fact pack does not list core counts for rivals, so this is purely score-based). The 0.1% deltas against the i7-2715QE and Xeon X5560 are within rounding error, meaning the 860K is effectively tied with those older server/mobile parts. The A8-7670K, another Kaveri-based AMD chip, scores 944, a -0.1% delta, again a statistical dead heat. In short, the 860K's performance is unremarkable; it clusters tightly with other budget and legacy CPUs.

FAQ

Q: Does the Athlon X4 860K have integrated graphics?

A: No. The integratedGraphics field is null, meaning the processor does not include any on-die GPU. A discrete graphics card is required for display output.

Q: What memory type and bandwidth does it support?

A: It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplierUnlocked field is true, allowing overclocking on compatible FM2+ motherboards.

Q: What socket does it use?

A: The 860K uses the AMD Socket FM2+.

Q: Is this processor still in production?

A: No, it is marked as end-of-life. It was released on August 11, 2014.

Q: What is the process node and architecture?

A: It is built on a 28 nm process at GlobalFoundries, using the Steamroller architecture (codename Kaveri).

How It Compares

Intel Pentium Gold G5400T: The Pentium Gold G5400T has an average score of 943, exactly matching the 860K's 943 (delta 0%). This indicates identical overall performance, though the two processors achieve it through very different designs — the Pentium is a modern low-power part, while the 860K is an older quad-core.

Intel Core i7-2715QE: This mobile quad-core from Intel scores 942, a delta of 0.1% relative to the 860K. The difference is negligible, so the 860K and the i7-2715QE are effectively tied in average performance. The i7-2715QE is a Sandy Bridge-era part, and its similar score highlights that the 860K's performance level has not advanced much beyond early 2010s designs.

Intel Xeon X5560: The Xeon X5560, a server-oriented processor, also scores 942 with a 0.1% delta. Like the i7-2715QE, it is essentially on par with the 860K. This reinforces that the 860K's multi-threaded capability is comparable to older server parts, but its single-thread performance is likely lower given the architecture differences.

AMD A8-7670K: The A8-7670K, another Kaveri-based APU, scores 944, a delta of -0.1% (meaning the 860K is 0.1% slower on average). The two are nearly identical, which is expected as they share the same Steamroller architecture and similar clock speeds. The A8-7670K includes integrated graphics, but the fact pack does not list that for the 860K, so the comparison is purely on CPU score.

Platform and Compatibility

The Athlon X4 860K is designed for the AMD Socket FM2+ platform. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a peak bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, so it is not suited for error-correcting workloads. The processor provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU itself, which is typical for a desktop part of its era; this allows for a single high-bandwidth GPU or multiple lower-bandwidth devices. There is no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking on FM2+ motherboards that support it. The processor is end-of-life, meaning new stock is unlikely, and upgrade paths are limited to other FM2+ parts, such as the A8-7670K or higher-end Kaveri APUs. The part number AD860KXBJABOXAD860KWOHLBOXAD860KXBJASBXAD860KXBI44JA indicates multiple retail and OEM variants. The 28 nm process and 2,411-million-transistor die (245 mm²) are relatively large by modern standards, but they were typical for AMD's 2014 lineup.

Power and Thermals

The Athlon X4 860K has a TDP of 95 W. This is a moderate power draw, requiring a cooling solution capable of dissipating that heat. A standard air cooler with a 92 mm or 120 mm fan is generally sufficient for stock operation, but the unlocked multiplier invites overclocking, which will increase power consumption and heat output. The 28 nm process is not particularly efficient by today's standards, so the 95 W TDP translates into noticeable heat under load. Users should ensure adequate case airflow and a cooler rated for at least 95 W. The lack of integrated graphics means the CPU does not contribute to display output power, but the overall system still requires a GPU. In summary, the 860K demands a modest cooler and a power supply that can handle a 95 W CPU alongside a discrete graphics card.