AMD FX CPUs have definitely made their mark in computer history, and while today AMD has mostly moved to making newer and better CPUs, many people are still using the AM3+ processors for gaming, programming, and performing other everyday tasks on their computers. While most gaming rigs today use the latest and greatest computer components that are available, many of the AMD FX series CPUs can still dish out some serious frames in many modern titles which is why today we are looking at the best AMD FX gaming processors.
Best AMD FX Processor for Gaming
AMD FX-9590
- AMD FX-9590 8-Core Black Edition Processor Vishera (CPU/4.7GHz/8MB/SocketAM3+/220W)
- With AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition FX-9590 - you experience an extraordinary computing performance once you equip the FX-9590 processor to your PC.
- This processor is incredibly designed with eight cores, giving you extremely fast processing performance that can run any demanding application in the market.
When it comes to the best AMD FX processor for gaming, none come closer to that title than AMD FX-9590. It is an AM3+ processor with eight cores with a base clock at 4.4 GHz which will ensure that all your games run smoothly without any issues. It also comes with a boost clock speed of up to 5 GHz without going over the max temperature of only 57°C under full load but in order to keep it at that temperature, the CPU practically demands that you install a liquid cooler into your system. The eight cores that the CPU has allowed for multitasking and make it an excellent media-creation machine so it can be used as both a gaming rig and a workstation. Overall, the AMD FX-9590 is the best AM3+ processor that you can get if you are in search of an AM3+ CPU upgrade.
Model:FX-9590
Family:AMD FX-Series Processors
Line:AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition Processors
Platform:Boxed Processor
OPN Tray:FD9590FHW8KHK
OPN PIB:FD9590FHHKWOF
# of CPU Cores:8
# of Threads:8
Base Clock:4.7GHz
Max Boost Clock ¹ ²:Up to 5.0GHz
Total L1 Cache:384KB
Total L2 Cache:8MB
Total L3 Cache:8MB
Unlocked :Yes
CMOS:32nm SOI
Package:AM3+
PCI Express® Version:n/a
Default TDP / TDP:220W
Max Temps:57°C
System Memory Specification:1866MHz
System Memory Type:DDR3
Graphics Model:Discrete Graphics Card Required
Supported Technologies:AES
AMD FX-9370
- Processor Speed: 4.40 GHz
- Socket Size: 32 nm
Making its way to our second spot is another extremely powerful AM3+ processor, the AMD FX-9370. Now there is not much to tell about this particular CPU that hasn’t already been said in this article. The AMD FX-9370 is the same when it comes to the number of cores and threads as our previous entry, in fact, the only difference between them is the base and boost clock speeds. This one ranks slightly lower with the base clock being 4.4 GHz and max boost clock peaking at 4.7 GHz. Other than that, everything mentioned in our first entry applies here as well.
Model:FX-9370
Family:AMD FX-Series Processors
Line:AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition Processors
Platform:Boxed Processor
OPN Tray:FD9370FHW8KHK
OPN PIB:FD9370FHHKWOF
# of CPU Cores:8
# of Threads:8
Base Clock:4.4GHz
Max Boost Clock ¹ ²:Up to 4.7GHz
Total L1 Cache:384KB
Total L2 Cache:8MB
Total L3 Cache:8MB
Unlocked :Yes
CMOS:32nm SOI
Package:AM3+
PCI Express® Version:n/a
Default TDP / TDP:220W
Max Temps:57°C
System Memory Specification:1866MHz
System Memory Type:DDR3
Graphics Model:Discrete Graphics Card Required
Supported Technologies:AES
AMD FX-8370
- Platform: Desktop
- Frequency: 4.0/4.2ghz (base/overdrive)
- Cores: 8
Coming in at number three we have the AMD FX-8370 processor and while it is not the best one of the bunch, it is guaranteed to keep your computer running fast. The CPU itself makes use of four 2 MBL2 cache designs and the 8 MB L3 cache just further improves the functionality of the unit. AMD FX-8370 CPU comes with an AMD Wraith cooler which is extremely quiet when compared to prior AMD coolers and comes with a backlight which will put some RGB in your pc and make it look modern. If RGB is not your thing, you can always turn it off if you so desire. When it comes to overclocking, things can get hotter than desired but things getting hot isn’t atypical when you are overclocking your CPU. Overall, AMD FX-8370 is a decent 8 core 8 thread processor that can run most games with no problem at 1080p resolution and is definitely worth its price if you are looking to upgrade your AM3+ CPU.
Model:FX-8370
Family:AMD FX-Series Processors
Line:AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition Processors
Platform:Boxed Processor
OPN Tray:FD8370FRW8KHK
OPN PIB:FD8370FRHKBOX
# of CPU Cores:8
# of Threads:8
Base Clock:4.0GHz
Max Boost Clock ¹ ²:Up to 4.3GHz
Total L1 Cache:384KB
Total L2 Cache:8MB
Total L3 Cache:8MB
Unlocked :Yes
CMOS:32nm SOI
Package:AM3+
PCI Express® Version:n/a
Default TDP / TDP:125W
Max Temps:61.10°C
System Memory Specification:1866MHz
System Memory Type:DDR3
Graphics Model:Discrete Graphics Card Required
Supported Technologies:AES
AMD FX-8350
- Platform: Desktop
- Frequency: 4.0/4.2ghz (base/overdrive)
- Cores: 8
Our fourth spot belongs to AMD FX-8350 and it is one of the better AM3+ gaming CPUs. The processor has 8 cores and 8 threads but what sets it apart from our previous entry, is the fact that it can be overclocked without any issues to a frequency of up to 4.2 GHz which will ensure that your games and high-end applications run smoothly without any issues. Another neat feature of AMD FX-8350 is the fact that the unit can also run with only four or six cores which can help you control the temperatures in case your cooling is inadequate. This leads us to the biggest issue that this CPU has which is a poor-quality stock cooler, so if you wish to get the most out of this CPU, you will need to replace it with a better one.
Model:FX-8350
Family:AMD FX-Series Processors
Line:AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition Processors
Platform:Boxed Processor
OPN Tray:FD8350FRW8KHK
OPN PIB:FD8350FRHKBOX
# of CPU Cores:8
# of Threads:8
Base Clock:4.0GHz
Max Boost Clock ¹ ²:Up to 4.2GHz
Total L1 Cache:384KB
Total L2 Cache:8MB
Total L3 Cache:8MB
Unlocked :Yes
CMOS:32nm SOI
Package:AM3+
PCI Express® Version:n/a
Default TDP / TDP:125W
Max Temps:61°C
System Memory Specification:1866MHz
System Memory Type:DDR3
Graphics Model:Discrete Graphics Card Required
Supported Technologies:AES
AMD FX-8300
- Supreme power available from virtually every Core configuration
- Aggressive performance for mega-tasking and intensive applications like video editing and 3D modeling
- Native desktop Processor for unmatched multitasking and pure Core performance with "bulldozer" architecture
Our final CPU is AMD FX-8300 which is one of the AM3+ models from the Vishera line of processors which means it was specifically designed to handle multiple tasks at once. Being one of the top models from the series, the AMD FX-8300 is a fully unlocked eight-core processor that uses four 2 MB L2 cache features as well as 8 MB L3 caches alongside which works extremely well. The CPUs factory clock speed is at 3.3 GHz but can be overclocked up to 4.2 GHz. The eight threads that the CPU possesses can perform multiple functions at once and the two memory channels allow for data to freely move in multiple directions.
Model:FX-8300
Family:AMD FX-Series Processors
Line:AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition Processors
Platform:Boxed Processor
OPN Tray:FD8300WMW8KHK
OPN PIB:FD8300WMHKBOX
# of CPU Cores:8
# of Threads:8
Base Clock:3.3GHz
Max Boost Clock ¹ ²:Up to 4.2GHz
Total L1 Cache:384KB
Total L2 Cache:8MB
Total L3 Cache:8MB
Unlocked :Yes
CMOS:32nm SOI
Package:AM3+
PCI Express® Version:n/a
Default TDP / TDP:95W
Max Temps:70.50°C
System Memory Specification:1866MHz
System Memory Type:DDR3
Graphics Model:Discrete Graphics Card Required
Supported Technologies:AES
AMD FX Processor Buying Guide
Number of cores
Core count is the most important aspect when it comes to processors. Essentially it is the number of processors within your unit and each of them can perform multiple tasks. The more cores you have, the more efficiently will your computer perform higher-end tasks.
Cache
The cache is also very important when it comes to CPUs. It is measured in megabytes and it basically determents how much data can move at a given time. There are three formats and each of them can move a certain amount of data at a certain speed. L1 is the fastest but can move the least data, L2 is somewhere in the middle while L3 can move the most data but is the slowest of the three.
Number of threads
The thread number refers to how many tasks can be performed on a single thread of your CPU. The higher the number of threads, the more tasks your CPU cores can perform.
Motherboard compatibility
Motherboard compatibility is one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a new CPU. Before buying, make sure that your motherboard is compatible with the CPU that you are purchasing. Keep in mind that some CPUs will fit a certain socket, but there can still be compatibility issues.
Cooling
Keeping things nice and cool will make your system perform better and make your components last longer, which is why you should always consider your cooling options. There are numerous options out there when it comes to both liquid and air coolers so make sure that you find the one that fits your needs.
Conclusion
If you are looking to upgrade your old AM3+ rig, there are a few options available as you can see but if you are making an entirely new build from scratch, it most likely isn’t worth it going with AMD FX CPUs with the new Ryzen processors being both better in terms of performance and likely more affordable. Just some food for thought.
Last update on 2020-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API