AMD C-70

The AMD C-70 is a dual-core mobile processor built on the Bobcat architecture, with the codename Ontario. It runs at a base clock of 1000 MHz and a boost clock of 1333 MHz, within a 9 W thermal design power. Released in August 2012, it uses the AMD Socket FT1 and integrates Radeon HD 6290 graphics. The cache consists of 64 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core. The database places it at the 50th percentile against all CPUs, though no benchmark scores are recorded, and its average benchmark score is 0.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The AMD C-70 presents a straightforward dual-core, dual-thread configuration. With exactly 2 cores and 2 threads, there is no simultaneous multithreading to extract additional parallelism from the hardware. This means multi-threaded workloads are strictly limited to two physical execution units. The base clock of 1000 MHz and boost clock of 1333 MHz define the operating range. The boost clock is notably higher than the base clock, allowing for a meaningful single-thread speedup when the thermal and power budget permits.

Single-thread performance is directly tied to the boost clock, as the processor can dynamically raise its frequency to 1333 MHz for lighter, single-threaded tasks. In contrast, multi-threaded performance is constrained by the core count and the base clock, as sustained all-core loads may pull the frequency down toward the 1000 MHz base. The 50th percentile standing against all CPUs in the database suggests a median position, but without recorded benchmark scores, the actual performance deltas to other parts cannot be quantified. The data indicates that this processor is not designed for heavy multi-threaded workloads, given its limited core and thread count. Instead, its behavior is best suited for tasks that can leverage a single fast core, such as basic responsive computing. The lack of additional threads means that any parallel workload will quickly saturate the two available cores, leading to a hard performance ceiling. This is a clear indicator that the C-70 targets efficiency over raw throughput, with the clock speed acting as the primary lever for single-thread responsiveness.

Power and Thermals

The thermal design power of 9 W is the defining characteristic of the AMD C-70. This ultra-low TDP places the processor in a class that allows for passive cooling solutions or very small, low-profile fans. The 40 nm process node, while not the most advanced, is sufficient for this power envelope. The die size of 75 mm² is compact, which helps to concentrate heat and reduce the overall thermal footprint. The data shows that the 9 W TDP implies a minimal cooling requirement, making it suitable for thin-and-light mobile devices or fanless designs. The mobile market segment further reinforces this, as the processor is clearly intended for battery-powered systems where power draw is critical. The combination of a 9 W TDP and a 75 mm² die suggests a high degree of power efficiency, though the 40 nm node is older compared to more modern processes. In practical terms, a simple heat spreader or a small heatsink with airflow from the system chassis would be adequate. The low power draw also means that sustained operation at the boost clock of 1333 MHz is likely feasible without significant thermal throttling, as the total heat generated remains minimal. The data does not provide specific temperature figures, but the TDP class strongly implies that thermal management is a non-issue for most use cases. This makes the C-70 an attractive option for embedded or low-power applications where heat dissipation is a primary concern.

Platform and Compatibility

The AMD C-70 uses the AMD Socket FT1, which is a mobile-oriented socket. This socket is designed for compact, low-power systems, and the upgrade path is limited to other processors within the same socket family. The processor supports DDR3 memory via a single-channel interface. The single-channel memory bus is a notable constraint, as it limits memory bandwidth compared to dual-channel configurations. Error-correcting code (ECC) memory is not supported, which is typical for a consumer mobile part. The integrated Radeon HD 6290 graphics provides a display output without the need for a discrete GPU, which is a key feature for space-constrained designs. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not possible, and the processor must operate within its specified base clock of 1000 MHz and boost clock of 1333 MHz. The part number is CMC70AFPB22GV, and the release date is August 2012. The memory support is limited to DDR3, and the single-channel bus means that memory-intensive applications may experience bottlenecks. The lack of ECC support indicates that this is not intended for mission-critical server workloads. The socket FT1 platform is primarily found in netbooks, thin laptops, and other ultra-mobile devices. The integrated graphics, while not powerful, is sufficient for basic display and video playback. The locked multiplier prevents enthusiasts from pushing the clock speed higher, but the low TDP and mobile focus suggest that overclocking was never a design goal. Overall, the platform is defined by its low power consumption and compact footprint, rather than expandability or high performance.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearest rivals for the AMD C-70. Consequently, a direct comparison against specific competing processors is not possible from the available data. The database does provide a percentile rank of 50 against all CPUs, which places this processor in the median position of the entire database. However, because the benchmark scores array is empty and the average benchmark score is 0, this percentile cannot be tied to any specific performance deltas. Without rival names or deltaPct values, any attempt to compare the C-70 to other specific models would be unsupported by the data. The 50th percentile ranking suggests that, in the context of the database's entire CPU population, the C-70 sits exactly in the middle. This is a curious position for a part with such a low TDP and limited core count, but the percentile is a relative metric that may be skewed by the composition of the database. The absence of rival data means that the C-70's performance can only be assessed in absolute terms, based on its own specifications. The data shows that the processor is a dual-core, dual-thread part with a 1000 MHz base clock and a 1333 MHz boost clock, which places it at the lower end of the performance spectrum in terms of raw compute. However, without measured scores, this assessment remains qualitative. The lack of rivals also means that there are no deltaPct values to report, so the C-70's position relative to its peers is undefined in the database.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark performance of the AMD C-70 is not represented by any recorded scores. The benchmarks array in the FACT PACK is empty, and the average benchmark score is 0. This indicates that no quantitative performance data has been captured for this processor in the database. The percentile rank of 50 is a positional metric, but it is not derived from actual benchmark scores; it simply reflects the processor's standing relative to all CPUs in the database. Without scores, it is impossible to calculate the exact percentage deltas against any other processor. The data does provide the core configuration and clock speeds, which can be used to infer performance characteristics. With 2 cores and 2 threads, the processor has a fixed number of execution units. The base clock of 1000 MHz and boost clock of 1333 MHz are the only clock speed data points available. The single-channel DDR3 memory support further constrains memory bandwidth, which can impact performance in memory-bound workloads. The integrated Radeon HD 6290 graphics is present, but its performance is not quantified in the database. The absence of benchmark scores means that any claims about the C-70's performance relative to other CPUs cannot be substantiated with data. The 50th percentile rank is the only comparative metric, but it is not a score. In the absence of measured results, the processor's performance must be considered unverified. The data shows that the C-70 is a low-power, dual-core part, and its performance is likely limited, but the lack of scores prevents a definitive statement.

FAQ

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP) of the AMD C-70?

A: The TDP is 9 W, placing it in an ultra-low-power class suitable for passive cooling.

Q: Does the AMD C-70 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported, as indicated by the false value in the FACT PACK.

Q: What socket does the AMD C-70 use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket FT1, which is a mobile-oriented socket.

Q: How many cores and threads does the AMD C-70 have?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning no simultaneous multithreading is available.

Q: What is the boost clock of the AMD C-70?

A: The boost clock is 1333 MHz, while the base clock is 1000 MHz.

Q: What integrated graphics does the AMD C-70 feature?

A: It features the Radeon HD 6290 integrated graphics.

Who Should Consider It

The AMD C-70 is designed for a very specific set of use cases, primarily driven by its 9 W TDP and mobile market segment. This processor is best suited for low-power, fanless devices such as thin-and-light laptops, netbooks, or embedded systems where power consumption is a critical factor. The 2-core, 2-thread configuration and single-channel DDR3 memory support indicate that it is adequate for basic office productivity, web browsing, and light media consumption. The integrated Radeon HD 6290 graphics provides a display output, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in space-constrained designs. The 50th percentile rank against all CPUs in the database suggests a median standing, but the absence of benchmark scores means that it should not be considered for demanding workloads such as high-end gaming or professional content creation. The data shows that the processor's strength lies in its efficiency, not its performance. Users who prioritize battery life and silent operation over raw speed would find the C-70 suitable. The locked multiplier and lack of ECC support further reinforce its positioning as a consumer, low-power part. For workloads that are lightly threaded and intermittent, the boost clock of 1333 MHz can provide adequate responsiveness. However, for sustained multi-threaded tasks, the two cores will quickly become a bottleneck. The 40 nm process node and 75 mm² die size contribute to the low power draw, but also indicate that this is an older design. In summary, the AMD C-70 is a candidate for basic, power-conscious computing, but the data does not support its use in performance-oriented scenarios.