The AMD Athlon II X3 425 processor device was released as part of the AM3 computing platform and was intended for the assembly of mid-level system units. Nominally, this semiconductor chip had three computing modules, but due to the use of a special modification of the motherboard, it was possible to activate another computing unit and turn this CPU model into a full-fledged 4-core chip. It is about this processor that will be discussed in this review.
Appointment
First, let's figure out what a processor is in a computer. This is the main element of the computing system in which information is processed. Its main characteristics are the clock frequency, the number of computing units, the cache size and the maximum amount of addressable RAM.
The hero of this material initially has three active cores and one blocked. As previously noted, in some cases it is involved. This moment alone positions this CPU as a medium-speed solution. Such a chip at the time of its release in 2010 made it possible to solve any problems. These are toys of various difficulty levels, these are graphic packages, this is the reproduction of multimedia information, this is the development of software code, this is the viewing of Internet portals. At the same time, the cost of the microprocessor was quite low. The result is an ideal balance of performance, speed and cost.
Today, this CPU continues to be relevant. If you use all of its computing units, it will allow you to run even the current most demanding software.
Possible delivery options
After we figured out what a processor is in a computer, we will find out possible options for the supply of such equipment. As a rule, computing chips can be purchased in two types of delivery. One of them is called Voh. The manufacturer includes a microprocessor, a cooling system, a logo sticker, thermal grease, a plastic transport box, a user manual, a certificate of conformity, and a cardboard box. In this form, the CPU acquire small collectors of system units. The second option is the Trail. It differs from the previous one in that it does not have a cooler, a cardboard box and thermal grease. In this form, CPUs are mainly bought by large companies that assemble computer systems.
Chip specifications
AMD Athlon II X3 425 has rather interesting technical specifications. This modification of the CPU includes three processing cores, whose code name is Rana. This microprocessor can be installed not only in the AM3 socket, but also in AM2 + and even in AM3 +. The nominal frequency of the chip is 2.7 GHz. The semiconductor base of the computing device is manufactured according to the 45 nm manufacturing process and has an area of 169 mm 2 . It includes 300 million transistors. The thermal package of the chip is 95 watts.
Cache and RAM
The characteristics of the AMD Athlon II X3 425 indicate that it includes only two levels of fast memory. The first cache level has a volume of 384 kb. The total size of the second level is increased to 1.5 MB.
The considered modification of the CPU is aimed at working in combination with the types of RAM DDR2 and DDR3. Moreover, a higher level of performance provides just the second. The maximum amount of addressable RAM is limited to 16 GB.
Price
Now let's figure out how much the processor costs for a computer of this modification. Again, although this solution has long been discontinued, it can be bought in new condition from stock in the Box box on the Internet. In this form, its cost will be equal to 2000-2500 rubles. Also, this modification of the microprocessor can be purchased through an information computer network in a used state. In this case, the price tag will drop to 850-1000 rubles.
Reviews Usage Recommendations
Initially, AMD Athlon II X3 425 is devoid of any drawbacks. Its only conditional minus is an outdated computer platform by the standards of 2018. The pluses of this chip can be safely attributed to this:
- High level of performance.
- A sufficient degree of reliability.
- Low cost.
- Excellent overclocking potential.
- The ability to activate additional computing resources.
A new PC based on such a microprocessor is not practical to assemble. In this case, it is preferable to choose the modern platform AM4 or LGA1151 v3. Of course, their cost will be higher, but they will still be relevant for a long time. But to repair a PC based on AM2 +, AM3 or AM3 +, such a chip can be used.
Conclusion
This review was devoted to the technical features of the AMD Athlon II X3 425 microprocessor. Although this chip was released in 2011, its characteristics are still relevant for most modern tasks. You can also significantly increase its speed due to overclocking and activation of additional resources. Therefore, PCs based on this microprocessor do not yet need to be modernized and will certainly be relevant for the next two years.