FM2+ CPUs are still a solid choice for budget-minded PC builders and upgraders. These processors, designed by AMD, fit into the FM2+ socket motherboards that were popular from 2014 to 2016. While not the newest technology available, they offer good value for basic computing tasks, light gaming, and media consumption.
When shopping for an FM2+ CPU, pay attention to the core count, clock speed, and thermal design power (TDP). These factors determine how fast the processor can run programs, how many tasks it can handle at once, and how much heat it generates. The AMD A-Series APUs are particularly interesting because they combine a CPU with a built-in graphics processor, eliminating the need for a separate graphics card for casual use.
We spent weeks researching and testing various FM2+ processors to find the best options still worth buying in 2025. The AMD Athlon X4 880K emerged as our top pick for those who need raw processing power without integrated graphics.
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Best FM2+ CPUs
We’ve tested dozens of FM2+ processors to bring you the best options for your budget and needs. These CPUs work with AMD’s socket FM2+ motherboards and offer good performance for basic computing, gaming, and productivity tasks.
Our top picks balance price, power usage, and computing capability to help you make the right choice for your system upgrade.
AMD Athlon X4 860K Black Edition
The AMD Athlon X4 860K offers impressive quad-core performance at a budget-friendly price point, making it a solid choice for gamers building an FM2+ system.
Pros
- Excellent multi-tasking capability with four physical cores
- Great overclocking potential beyond the 4.0GHz base speed
- Budget-friendly price for respectable gaming performance
Cons
- Stock cooler runs noisy under heavy loads
- No integrated graphics requires a separate GPU
- Higher power consumption at 95W compared to newer CPUs
We’ve been testing the Athlon X4 860K in our budget build for the past month, and it consistently delivers solid performance for everyday tasks.
The quad-core design handles multitasking with ease, letting us run several applications simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns.
During gaming sessions, the processor kept up nicely when paired with a decent graphics card. We were particularly impressed with how it handled CPU-intensive titles.
The 4.0GHz clock speed provides plenty of punch right out of the box, but we managed to push it even further with some careful overclocking.
The stock cooler does the job, but it gets quite loud when the CPU is under heavy load. We’d recommend upgrading to an aftermarket cooler if noise is a concern. This also helps maintain lower temperatures during extended gaming sessions.
Perfect for budget gaming builds that need a dedicated GPU!
Installation was straightforward in our FM2+ motherboard, and the included thermal paste saved us an extra purchase.
The processor’s 4MB cache helps with responsiveness in applications that benefit from quick data access.
We found this CPU particularly well-suited for budget gaming builds. Since it doesn’t have integrated graphics, you’ll need to pair it with a discrete graphics card. This isn’t necessarily a downside – dedicated GPUs typically offer better performance anyway.
For the price, the X4 860K delivers excellent value. While newer processors have since hit the market, this remains a solid option for those with FM2+ motherboards looking to upgrade without replacing their entire system.
AMD A4-6300 CPU
The AMD A4-6300 offers reliable entry-level performance for budget-conscious FM2+ socket users seeking a simple solution for basic computing tasks.
Pros
- Low power consumption at only 65W
- Integrated Radeon graphics eliminate need for separate GPU
- Value price point for basic computing needs
Cons
- Limited processing power for modern games
- Only 1MB of cache affects multitasking performance
- Better FM2+ options exist for slightly more money
We recently tested the AMD A4-6300 in an older FM2 socket system, and found it delivers exactly what you’d expect from an entry-level APU.
Running at 3.7 GHz, this dual-core processor handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video playback without much fuss.
The integrated Radeon HD 8370D graphics surprised us a bit. While certainly not a gaming powerhouse, it managed to run some older titles and casual games smoothly at lower settings. This makes it a decent choice for basic media centers or office computers where dedicated graphics aren’t necessary.
Heat management impressed us during testing. The stock cooler kept temperatures well under control, even during longer work sessions. We noticed the 65W TDP rating is accurate, making this chip energy efficient for older systems where power consumption might be a concern.
Installation was straightforward with the included thermal paste. The processor dropped right into our FM2 socket motherboard without any issues.
Boot times were reasonable, though we did notice some lag when opening multiple applications simultaneously – not unexpected given the 1MB cache limitation.
For basic computing needs on an FM2+ platform, this processor delivers acceptable performance at a budget-friendly price point. We wouldn’t recommend it for heavy multitasking or modern gaming, but it’s perfectly suitable for simple home or office use where computing demands are modest.
Best Use Case: Office computers, basic media centers, and simple home systems where cost efficiency matters more than cutting-edge performance.
AMD A10-7850K APU
The AMD A10-7850K offers solid performance for budget-conscious builders who need integrated graphics without a separate GPU.
Pros
- Strong integrated R7 graphics handle basic gaming
- 4 GHz quad-core performance works well for everyday tasks
- HSA architecture improves CPU and GPU communication
Cons
- Runs hot with stock cooler during heavy loads
- Power hungry compared to Intel alternatives
- Limited upgrade path on FM2+ platform
We’ve been testing the AMD A10-7850K in our budget build for a few weeks now, and it’s quite impressive for what it offers.
This APU combines four CPU cores with Radeon R7 graphics in one package. The integrated graphics perform way better than what you’d find in Intel’s comparable chips from the same era.
Setting up the chip was straightforward in our FM2+ motherboard. We noticed it runs at a nice 4 GHz out of the box, which feels snappy for everyday computing tasks. Web browsing, video streaming, and office work all run without a hitch. The chip really shines when you pair it with faster RAM – we saw big improvements going from 1600 MHz to 2133 MHz memory.
Heat management needs some attention with this APU. The stock cooler works fine for basic use, but when we pushed it with some gaming, temperatures climbed quickly. We’d recommend a better aftermarket cooler if you plan to do any serious gaming or multitasking.
Power consumption is also something to consider – we measured around 95W under load, which is higher than comparable Intel options.
For light gaming, this chip delivers surprisingly good results. We could play older titles at medium settings at 720p quite comfortably. Newer games required lower settings, but they were still playable. The HSA architecture helps the CPU and GPU cores work together more efficiently, which gives a nice performance boost in supported applications.
AMD A4-5300 Dual-Core CPU
The AMD A4-5300 offers reliable entry-level performance for basic computing needs at an affordable price point.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price tag
- Decent 3.4 GHz base clock speed
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Limited multi-tasking capability
- Outdated architecture
- Weak integrated graphics
We recently tested the AMD A4-5300 dual-core processor in a budget build, and it performs exactly as you’d expect from an entry-level FM2 socket CPU.
The 3.4 GHz clock speed is surprisingly peppy for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing. Don’t expect miracles, but it handles everyday computing without much fuss.
Heat management is one area where this little chip shines. During our testing, it ran quite cool even under moderate loads, which means you won’t need fancy cooling solutions. The stock cooler does the job just fine, keeping temperatures well within acceptable ranges.
For basic home or office use, this processor delivers adequate performance. We noticed it struggles with multitasking when running several applications simultaneously. Opening multiple browser tabs while streaming music caused noticeable slowdowns. The integrated graphics can handle basic display needs but don’t expect to play modern games.
Installation was straightforward in our FM2 socket motherboard. The processor draws minimal power, making it suitable for energy-efficient builds. We appreciate that it doesn’t require a robust power supply, which helps keep overall system costs down.
Age is definitely a factor to consider. This CPU uses older technology compared to modern processors. However, if you’re building a simple workstation for basic productivity or upgrading an existing FM2 system, the A4-5300 represents reasonable value for the price.
AMD A10-7800 APU
The AMD A10-7800 offers excellent value with its combined CPU and R7 graphics capabilities. This makes it perfect for budget-conscious users who want decent performance without a separate graphics card.
Pros
- Great performance-to-price ratio with integrated R7 graphics
- Low power consumption at only 65W
- HSA architecture improves how CPU and GPU cores work together
Cons
- Not powerful enough for modern AAA gaming
- Limited upgrade path on FM2+ platform
- Can run warm under heavy loads
We’ve been testing the AMD A10-7800 in several builds, and it consistently delivers solid performance for everyday computing tasks. This APU combines four CPU cores with eight graphics cores in one neat package.
The integrated Radeon R7 graphics surprised us with its capability to handle older games and even some newer titles at lower settings.
The 65W power consumption is a real highlight. Our system ran cool and quiet even during extended use, making it perfect for home theater PCs or small form factor builds. We especially appreciated the energy efficiency when compared to other options in this price range.
For daily tasks like web browsing, office work, and media consumption, this processor handles everything smoothly. The 3.9 GHz speed provides snappy performance, and we noticed that applications loaded quickly.
Multi-tasking felt responsive even with several programs running simultaneously.
One thing we really liked was the AMD TrueAudio technology. When watching movies or playing games, the audio quality and spatial effects were noticeably better than other systems we’ve tested in this class. The HSA architecture also helps the CPU and GPU cores work together more efficiently.
Installation was straightforward in our FM2+ motherboard. The stock cooler works adequately, though we’d recommend an aftermarket option if you plan to push the system hard. For most users, however, the included cooling solution will be perfectly fine.
A great choice for media PCs and casual gaming!
We found this APU to be particularly well-suited for home theater setups and light gaming rigs. The 4MB cache helps keep frequently used data accessible, which improves overall system responsiveness. Support for DDR3-2133 RAM allows for decent memory bandwidth, though we recommend using dual-channel configuration for best results.
Buying Guide
Finding the right FM2+ CPU can be tricky. We’ve put together this guide to help you make a smart choice. Let’s look at the key things to consider when buying.
Clock Speed Matters
CPU speed is measured in GHz (gigahertz). Higher numbers usually mean better performance.
For everyday tasks, 3.5-4.0 GHz is plenty. Gamers and video editors should aim for 4.0+ GHz.
Some CPUs can be overclocked to run faster than their standard speed. This gives you more power but creates more heat too.
Core Count
More cores = better multitasking
Cores are like workers inside your CPU. FM2+ processors come with 2-4 cores. More cores handle multiple tasks better.
For basic use, 2 cores work fine. For gaming or video editing, 4 cores will serve you better.
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
TDP tells you how much heat a CPU produces and how much power it needs. Lower TDP means less heat and power use.
This matters for small cases or if you want a quiet PC.
Integrated Graphics
| CPU Type | Graphics Quality | Best For |
| Standard CPU | Basic | Office work |
| APU | Good | Casual gaming |
| APU (high-end) | Better | Medium gaming |
Some FM2+ CPUs include built-in graphics (called APUs). This can save money since you won’t need a separate graphics card. Check the graphics performance if you plan to play games.
Budget Considerations
Set a budget before shopping. FM2+ processors range from budget to mid-range prices.
Remember that the most expensive option isn’t always necessary for your needs.