AMD A4 3330mx APU with Radeon tm HD Graphics: A Look Back
The AMD A4-3330MX APU with Radeon HD Graphics was released in 2011 as an entry-level processor for laptops. While it may not be a modern processor, it still has its place in the market for those looking for a budget option for basic computing tasks. In this post, we’ll break down the key features of this processor, analyze its performance, and explore its strengths and limitations.
CPU Performance:
The A4-3330MX APU has two cores and two threads. It has a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz and can boost up to 2.6 GHz with Turbo Core. Each core has an L2 cache of 1 MB, and the manufacturing process used is 32 nm. Performance-wise, this processor is suitable for basic computing tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video playback, although it will struggle with more demanding tasks due to its limited processing power.
| Feature | AMD A4-3330MX APU | Intel Core i3-3110M | AMD A6-3420M APU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.2 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 1.5 GHz |
| Max Turbo Speed | 2.6 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| L2 Cache | 2 x 1 MB | 3 MB | 4 x 1 MB |
| Manufacturing Process | 32 nm | 22 nm | 32 nm |
| TDP | 35 W | 35 W | 35 W |
| Integrated GPU | Radeon HD 6480G | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Radeon HD 6520G |
| GPU Base Clock Speed | 444 MHz | 650 MHz | 400 MHz |
| Release Year | 2012 | 2012 | 2011 |
| Performance | Basic tasks: web browsing, document editing, video playback | Better for multitasking and slightly more demanding tasks due to higher clock speed and hyper-threading | Better for multimedia tasks with more cores but lower single-core performance compared to Intel |
Graphics:
The A4-3330MX APU comes with integrated graphics, specifically the Radeon HD 6480G. This graphics unit is suitable for basic gaming, light video editing, and playback. However, it won’t be able to handle modern games or more complex video editing software. If you’re looking for a laptop for gaming, the A4-3330MX APU is not the ideal choice.
| Feature | AMD A4-3330MX APU (Radeon HD 6480G) | Intel Core i3-3110M (Intel HD Graphics 4000) | AMD A6-3420M APU (Radeon HD 6520G) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Radeon HD 6480G | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Radeon HD 6520G |
| Shader Units | 160 | 16 | 320 |
| GPU Base Clock Speed | 444 MHz | 650 MHz | 400 MHz |
| DirectX Support | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| OpenGL Support | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| Performance Tier | Entry-level | Entry to mid-level | Entry-level |
| Typical Use Case | Basic gaming, light video editing | Light to moderate gaming, better video playback | Basic gaming, better multimedia tasks |
| Gaming Capability | Limited to older or less demanding games | Better performance in older and some moderate games | Limited to older or less demanding games |
| Video Playback | Handles HD video playback | Handles HD video playback well | Handles HD video playback |
| Video Editing | Suitable for light video editing | Suitable for light to moderate video editing | Suitable for light video editing |
| Overall GPU Performance | Basic | Better than HD 6480G | Slightly better than HD 6480G |
Other Specifications:
The A4-3330MX APU uses the FS1 socket and has a thermal design power (TDP) of 45 W. Memory support is DDR3, and it can support up to DDR3-1333. While this processor may not be the most powerful option, it does have some advantages. For example, it is budget-friendly, easy to find in used machines, and requires less power consumption compared to its modern counterparts.
| Feature | AMD A4-3330MX APU | Intel Core i3-3110M | AMD A6-3420M APU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Socket | FS1 | FCPGA988 | FS1 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 45 W | 35 W | 35 W |
| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Max Memory Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max Memory Capacity | Up to 16 GB | Up to 32 GB | Up to 16 GB |
| Integrated Graphics | Radeon HD 6480G | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Radeon HD 6520G |
| Budget-Friendliness | High | Medium | High |
| Availability (Used Market) | Easy to find | Easy to find | Easy to find |
| Power Consumption | Moderate compared to modern CPUs | Lower than A4-3330MX | Lower than A4-3330MX |
| Release Year | 2012 | 2012 | 2011 |
Overall Score:
The A4-3330MX APU was designed for basic computing tasks, and it is still suitable for those looking for a budget option for light and casual computing needs. Since it was released more than ten years ago, it is significantly slower than modern processors, but it still has its place for some users.
Final Word
The A4-3330MX APU with Radeon HD Graphics is a budget-friendly option for those looking for basic computing tasks. Its performance may not be able to handle modern software and gaming, but it is ideal for light use. While it is an outdated processor, it still offers affordable options for those looking to purchase a used laptop.