AMD A6-3500 socket: Socket FM1
The AMD A6-3500 uses the Socket FM1 socket. It is a 65 W triple core Llano APU at 2.1 GHz to 2.4 GHz with Radeon HD 6530D graphics.
- Socket
- Socket FM1
- Launched
- August 2011
- Cores and threads
- 3 and 3
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Llano
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD A6
- Clocks
- 2.1 / 2.4 GHz
AMD A6-3500 specifications
| Cores | 3 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 3 |
| Core architecture | Stars (K10) cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.1 GHz base, up to 2.4 GHz Turbo Core |
| Cache | 3 MB L2 (1 MB per core) |
| Default TDP | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the APU |
| Integrated graphics | AMD Radeon HD 6530D (443 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket FM1 (PGA, 905 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD A6-3500 needs a motherboard with a Socket FM1 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Hudson FCH (A55 and A75) | A75, A55 | 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 FM1.
Socket FM1 at a glance
| Type | PGA, 905 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | June 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3-1600 and 1866, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the A6-3500 is
AMD A6-3500 is a triple core Llano APU that AMD released in August 2011 for socketed desktops. It uses the Stars K10 core design on a 32 nm process, running at 2.1 GHz base with Turbo Core to 2.4 GHz. The cache is 3 MB of L2 with 1 MB per core. Power is 65 W. Graphics come from AMD Radeon HD 6530D with 320 shaders at 443 MHz.
Three cores with Turbo Core cover threaded office work that never needs quad power. Lightly threaded bursts reach 2.4 GHz while all core loads sit near base. The 320 shader graphics block doubles the A4 shader count, which smooths video playback and light games of the era.
Towers pair it with A55 or A75 boards, 4 GB of DDR3 and a SATA drive. The triple core layout suits multitasking on a budget. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide places this PGA desktop part against BGA mobile forms.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The A6-3500 drops into Socket FM1 on A55 and A75 boards. The board BIOS must list the exact A6-3500 string with triple core tables. DDR3 modules match stock operation.
Power at 65 W suits standard desktop boards. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers AMD pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels. Two matched modules feed three cores and the 320 shader block. Faster DIMMs help display work.
PCI Express is PCIe 2.0 from the APU for one graphics slot. Most builds stay on the HD 6530D alone.
Cooling follows the 65 W rating with a stock heatsink. The shared AMD mount keeps choice wide.
Upgrade paths
On Socket FM1 the A6-3500 can move to quad Llano APUs with stronger graphics on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A quad comparison with the same graphics is the A6-3600 class on the same socket.
A platform move to Socket FM2 needs a new board while DDR3 often carries over.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD A6-3500 use?
It uses Socket FM1. Check the board maker CPU support list for triple core support.
Does the A6-3500 have Turbo Core?
Yes. Base is 2.1 GHz with Turbo Core to 2.4 GHz.
What memory does the A6-3500 use?
DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels.
Does the A6-3500 need a separate graphics card?
No. Radeon HD 6530D at 443 MHz covers office displays and video.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .