AMD A8-3820 socket: Socket FM1
The AMD A8-3820 uses the Socket FM1 socket. It is a 65 W quad core Llano APU at 2.5 GHz to 2.8 GHz with Radeon HD 6550D graphics.
- Socket
- Socket FM1
- Launched
- December 2011
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Default TDP
- 65 W
- Codename
- Llano
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- AMD A8
- Clocks
- 2.5 / 2.8 GHz
AMD A8-3820 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Stars (K10) cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.5 GHz base, up to 2.8 GHz Turbo Core |
| Cache | 4 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 6550D (600 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket FM1 (PGA, 905 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD A8-3820 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 A8-3820 is
AMD A8-3820 is a quad core Llano APU that AMD released in December 2011 for efficient desktops. It uses the Stars K10 core design on a 32 nm process, running at 2.5 GHz base with Turbo Core to 2.8 GHz. The cache is 4 MB of L2 with 1 MB per core. Power is 65 W. Graphics come from AMD Radeon HD 6550D with 400 shaders at 600 MHz.
The late 2011 refresh adds 100 MHz at both ends over the A8-3800 at the same power and graphics. Four cores with turbo plus 400 shaders cover home office work and period games without a card. Contemporary December reports confirm the 600 MHz graphics clock.
Home towers pair it with A55 or A75 boards and an SSD for a direct feel. Boards need a BIOS new enough to list this late 2011 model. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide places this PGA desktop part against BGA mobile forms.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The A8-3820 drops into Socket FM1 on A55 and A75 boards. Late 2011 models need a BIOS new enough to list the exact A8-3820 string. 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 four cores and shared graphics.
PCI Express is PCIe 2.0 from the APU for one graphics slot. Most builds stay on integrated graphics.
Cooling follows the 65 W rating with a stock heatsink. The shared AMD mount keeps choice wide.
Upgrade paths
On Socket FM1 the A8-3820 can move to 100 W quad Llano APUs with faster fixed clocks on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A slower quad reference on the same socket is AMD A8-3800.
A platform move to Socket FM2 needs a new board while DDR3 often carries over.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD A8-3820 use?
It uses Socket FM1. Boards need a BIOS new enough to list this late 2011 model.
How is the A8-3820 different from the A8-3800?
Base is 2.5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz, and turbo is 2.8 GHz instead of 2.7 GHz.
What memory does the A8-3820 use?
DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels.
Does the A8-3820 need a separate graphics card?
No. Radeon HD 6550D at 600 MHz covers office displays, video and light games.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .