AMD A10-6700 review

In terms of specification, the AMD A10-6700 is ranked just below the range-topping AMD A10-6800K. Both use the same built-in graphics processor, both have 4MB of level 2 cache and both have four cores, but there are two big differences.

The first is that the A10-6700 has a lower clock speed than the A10-6800K. It runs at a base clock speed of 3.7GHz with a 4.3GHz boost speed, whereas the A10-6800K runs at a base clock speed of 4.1GHz and boosts to 4.4GHz. The A10-6700 also has a lower TDP of 65W, whereas the A10-6800K’s 100W TDP. The second difference is that the A10-6700 is locked, which means you can’t overclock it.

Although the A10-6700 has a lower base and boost clock speeds, the difference in performance between the two processors isn’t huge. The A10-6700 scored 67 overall in our benchmark tests, with scores of 81, 64 and 64 in the image-editing, video-editing and multitasking segments respectively. The A10-6800K scored a slightly higher 71 in the tests, with scores of 83, 69 and 68 in the image-editing, video-editing and multitasking segments respectively. The A10-6800K’s higher performance is certainly welcome, but we could easily live with the performance of the A10-6700.

AMD’s Trinity processors were famed for their built-in graphics processors, and the graphical performance of the new Richland chips is just as impressive. We ran our Dirt Showdown benchmark at a resolution of 1,280×720 with 4x anti-aliasing and High graphics quality and were pleased to see a smooth average frame rate of 42.8fps. Sadly, it scored less highly in our more graphically challenging Crysis 2 test, scoring just 24.8fps at a resolution of 1,280×720 with High quality settings. We say just, but that’s still a great score for the built-in graphics processor of a processor at this price.

If you’re willing to compromise on graphics settings and play at lower resolutions, you could possibly forego a discrete graphics card and rely on the built-in GPU to play games. The A10-6700 also played high bitrate, Full HD video smoothly.

The A10-6700’s main rival is the cheaper dual-core Intel Core i3-3220, which scored 60 overall in our benchmark tests and failed our Dirt Showdown graphics test. Although we like the Core i3-3220, and wouldn’t dissuade anyone from buying one if it fits their needs and budget, we think the A10-6700’s better graphics processor and higher performance make it a better option for budget PC builds.