AMD A6-3420M socket: Socket FS1
The AMD A6-3420M uses the Socket FS1 socket. It is a socketed 35 W quad core Llano mobile APU at 1.5 GHz to 2.4 GHz with Radeon HD 6520G graphics.
- Socket
- Socket FS1
- Launched
- December 2011
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 35 W
- Codename
- Llano
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- AMD A6
- Clocks
- 1.5 / 2.4 GHz
AMD A6-3420M specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Stars (K10) cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 1.5 GHz base, up to 2.4 GHz Turbo Core |
| Cache | 4 MB L2 (1 MB per core) |
| Default TDP | 35 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the APU (lane layout varies by board design) |
| Integrated graphics | AMD Radeon HD 6520G (400 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket FS1 (PGA, 722 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD A6-3420M needs a motherboard with a Socket FS1 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Hudson mobile | A60M, A70M | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket FS1.
Socket FS1 at a glance
| Type | rPGA, 722 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | June 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3-1333 and 1600, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the A6-3420M is
AMD A6-3420M is a quad core Llano mobile APU that AMD released in December 2011 for socketed laptops. It uses the Stars K10 core design on a 32 nm process, running at 1.5 GHz base with Turbo Core to 2.4 GHz. The cache is 4 MB of L2 with 1 MB per core. Power is 35 W. Graphics come from AMD Radeon HD 6520G with 320 shaders at a fixed 400 MHz.
The late 2011 refresh lifts base by 100 MHz and turbo by 100 MHz over the A6-3400M at the same power and graphics. Four threads with turbo cover office multitasking while bursts keep single thread tasks direct. Notebookcheck page stamps carry an older June date, while AMD and the APU list place it in December, which is used here.
Mainstream laptops pair it with DDR3-1333 SODIMMs and a single fan. Boards need a BIOS new enough to list this December model. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The A6-3420M fits Socket FS1 with 722 contacts in pin grid form. Hudson A60M and A70M boards carry it where the BIOS lists the exact A6-3420M string. Late 2011 firmware matters more than the chipset name.
At 35 W any Socket FS1 heatsink of that class covers it. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes laptop heatsinks stay board specific.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1333, two channels. Two matched SODIMMs feed four threads and shared graphics.
PCI Express is revision 2.0 from the APU for Wi-Fi and storage. Most builds stay on integrated graphics.
Cooling is board specific for 35 W. Cleaning holds the 2.4 GHz burst longer.
Upgrade paths
On Socket FS1 the A6-3420M can move to faster A6 or A8 parts where access and BIOS allow it. Memory and storage carry over. A slower comparison at the same power is AMD A6-3400M on the same socket.
A platform move means a new laptop. Keep the current body for office duty after a wipe.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD A6-3420M use?
It uses Socket FS1 in pin grid form with 722 contacts.
How is the A6-3420M different from the A6-3400M?
Base is 1.5 GHz instead of 1.4 GHz, and turbo is 2.4 GHz instead of 2.3 GHz.
What memory does the A6-3420M use?
DDR3-1333, two channels.
Can the A6-3420M be replaced?
Yes, in socketed laptops with manual access and BIOS support.
Sources and verification
- AMD A6-3420M Notebook APU (AMD archived product page)
- AMD A6-3420M Notebook Processor (Notebookcheck)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .