AMD A6 Micro-6500T socket: Socket FT3

What the A6 Micro-6500T is

The A6 Micro-6500T is a 5 W quad Mullins APU on Socket FT3 for low power notebooks. It runs 4 cores and 4 threads at 1.2 GHz base with boosts to 1.8 GHz. Two megabytes of total L2 cache cover office multitasking. Power is 5 W on 28 nm from April 2014.

The 5 W envelope sits above the 4.5 W tablet SKUs for notebook bodies with small fans. Higher base clocks than tablet quads keep office apps responsive. Four threads handle browsing with background updates. The soldered package means buyers choose the whole notebook.

DDR3 memory over one channel feeds cores and integrated GCN graphics. The 107 mm2 die shares Beema silicon dimensions. The A6 Micro-6500T covers notebooks where Mullins quad threads must fit 5 W.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The A6 Micro-6500T solders to the board on Socket FT3 and cannot be replaced. Notebook memory and storage lock at purchase. Boards wire SODIMM DDR3 with eDP panels.

FT3 notebooks use SoC SATA and USB. Socketed desktops cannot take this BGA chip. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains soldered limits.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

DDR3 over a single channel suits low power notebooks. One SODIMM covers classroom browsing. Single channel is fixed by the SoC.

PCIe 2.0 with up to 8 lanes from the SoC serves storage and radios. Small SSDs lift feel on modest clocks. Most builds rely on integrated GCN graphics.

Cooling follows the thin notebook design for 5 W. Quiet operation suits libraries. The locked multiplier keeps thermals steady.

Upgrade paths

On the same socket, the AMD A4 Micro-6400T at 1.0 GHz to 1.6 GHz below saves power with the same threads, while the AMD A10 Micro-6700T at 1.2 GHz to 2.2 GHz above adds speed. All share FT3 boards.

Beema notebooks cover higher power duty. The A6 Micro-6500T holds 5 W Mullins notebook duty.