Best AM3+ CPUs [2023 Product Review]

AMD FX-8350 is a resounding chipset that ensures that operations are done at a withstanding rate. Not only this, but it’s a wonderful powerhouse for running contemporary games. For example, many users reported that they were able to run a copious number of games at a decent frame rate. What does this mean? Well, it indicates that you can rely on the FX-8350 for normal day-to-day gaming and tasks. Apart from this, do bear in mind that the chipset doesn’t come along with a fan/heatsink, so you would have to purchase it at your own expense, and that’s the only downside of the CPU. Not to mention, the base frequency of the FX-8350 is 4.0 GHz, which can be boosted to up to 4.2 GHz. That’s wonderful because not many old chipsets are able to have boosted frequencies embedded inside the algorithms. On top of that, with this chipset, you get hold of around 8 cores, which correlates to 8 threads in general. For what it’s worth, the cache of the chipset stands at 8MB, which is significantly better than the previous generations. Last but not least, the processor requires around 125 watts of power supply, so do make sure that you have enough remaining wattages to power on the CPU. As for the performance of the CPU, it’s exceptional and to the point.

If you don’t want a chipset to cost you an arm and a leg, then AMD Phenom II X4 945 could be your best option because you can get it at an extremely low price point. Because believe me, it only costs you around $60, and that’s it. Apart from this, the quad-core nature of the CPU makes it a resounding choice for small-based tasks, for example, coding and designing. Apart from this, the AMD Phenom II X4 945 has a good performance ratio because of its base frequency of 3.0 GHz, which is a good figure considering how cheap the chipset is. Unfortunately, there are no boost or overclocking options, so do bear that in mind before finalizing the AMD Phenom II X4, as it’s an older chipset with little functionality in terms of clock upgrades. Do you know the best part about the CPU? Well, it’s backwards compatible with AM2+ and AM3; thus, making it an all-rounder choice for many people who don’t want to upgrade their motherboards. Moreover, this CPU offers a bus speed of 667 MHz, coupled with 4 cores and 4 threads. Last but not least, the AMD Phenom II was first released in 2016, so you would have to keep the time span in mind before contacting customer support for faulty integrations because you might not get anything feasible or valuable in return as feedback.

The next product on the list is FX-8150, which is a formidable entry in terms of versatility and performance binding. For example, the recently published reviews on e-commerce sites and forums like Reddit are filled with overwhelmingly positive entries that speak highly of this processor. Apart from this, the processor has a base frequency of 3.6 GHz, which is exceptionally high for day-to-day tasks. And thus, you can use the same processor for gaming too. But do remember that this processor has an AM3+ socket, and contemporary chipsets are using AM4, so yeah, you won’t be able to run games on high settings due to bottlenecks. For what it’s worth, the chipset can easily achieve a figure of 4.2 GHz when on turbo mode. This is a wonderful thing because now your processor can process more tasks per unit of time, which ultimately leads to a faster transaction. Moreover, the chipset has around 8 cores and 8 threads which is a plus point if you intend to game on this processor. It’s worth mentioning that the processor was released in 2011, which is quite a long time ago, and any types of faulty algorithms may cause issues with the latest components that were only released recently. So, it’s better you pair up this processor with either compatible hardware or get those that are as old as the chipset itself to retain functionality. Overall, it’s a fantastic CPU that will not disappoint you even in the least.

AMD FX 6100 is a Hexa-Core processor with all the induced fundamental key features to run games at a decent setting. Not only this, but you can use the same processor for office-based tasks, for example, rendering and coding. Do you know the best part about the chipset? Well, it lies within the acceptable range of $80, which isn’t expensive at all, considering you are getting 6 cores and 6 threads with it. Apart from this, the base frequency of the CPU is 3300 MHz, which can be pushed up to 3900 MHz on turbo mode. This is something I always look out for in processors: Turbo and OC mode. So, if you are getting either of them, don’t think twice; just buy the processor already. Moreover, with this processor, you are also getting a bus speed of 2600 MHz which is wonderful in terms of transacting data TO and FRO from the components. Furthermore, the chipset contains all the required commands like SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4 and SSE4.1 and 4.2. This is coupled with AES, AVX, and XOP commands that are relatively new in the field but required for running the latest games. Last but not least, the processor is quite performative in terms of processing, so you don’t have to worry about bottlenecks if you are using the chipset with a compatible GPU.

Flagship models are my favourite, and I would definitely recommend them to my beloved readers. Well, AMD FX-8320 is a magnificent processor with a base frequency of 3.5 GHz. On top of that, the processor comes with 8 cores and 8 threads which are enough to run multiple processes at the same time, known as threading. Having said that, the AMD FX-8320 competes against FX 8150 (its predecessor) with a winning margin of 2.8%, which is wonderful considering the difference in price point between the two entries. For what it’s worth, the chipset competes with the Intel Core i7-940, which is again worth noting. This just doesn’t stop here. You can achieve the turbo frequency mode when the CPU is at its limiting capacity. And the best part about this is that you can easily get 4.0 GHz on turbo mode, which is fascinating. Moreover, the AMD FX-8320 comes with 8MB of L2 and L3 cache combined with 348KB of L1 cache. So yeah, that’s something too as well. Last but not least, the processor is unlocked, which means you can put it for overclocking

If we are talking about a processor that’s an all-rounder with everything balanced out, then our fingers point at the FX-6300 chipset. First things first, it’s a marvellous chipset that comes with 6 cores and 6 threads. In 2021, 6 cores and 6 threads are good enough for playing games at a medium setting, but if you want to crank up the in-game settings, you would be required to have at least 8 core processors. Anyhow, the AMD FX-6300 is not a disappointment at all but works like a charm on a myriad of systems, including office-based workstations as well. Apart from this, the performance of the AMD FX-6300 is quite impressive considering its base frequency which is at 3.5 GHz, and that automatically increases up to 3.8 GHz when the processor is 100% stressed. The only downside of the chipset is that you don’t get to overclock it. So yeah, if you are planning to push the chipset’s limit, you can’t because there’s no such headroom for increasing the frequency manually. Last but not least, the maximum operating temperature of the FX-6300 is 70.5 degrees which is somewhat good for tropical regions.

AMD FX-4300 is an alternative budget-friendly processor that will only cost you around $40. Have you ever imagined getting something this cheap? Well, if not, then now is the time because FX-4300 will be surprising you in many ways. Although the processor is quite old and doesn’t come with all the required commands for running the latest games, it’s still sufficiently programmed to meet your small-scale needs. For example, if you are into coding and rendering, and want to start developing a game, then this processor will be enough to make your dreams come true. Do you know what’s amazing about this processor? Well, it’s open to overclocking. This means you can manually set the figure based off on how much heat the processor can endure. On top of that, the base frequency of the chipset stands at 3.8 GHz, which cranks itself up to 4.0 GHz when the processor usage skyrockets. All in all, AMD FX-4300 is a chipset that will not disappoint you even in the least!

AMD FX-Series FX 8120 is a dream come true for many gaming enthusiasts as it brings in revolutionary features that weren’t present in its predecessors. First things first, the processor has around 8 cores and 8 threads which are sufficient enough for multi-tasking. You can game, code, run different encoders at the same time, and the CPU won’t even budge. It’s this fantastic! Apart from this, the base clock of the CPU is 3.1 GHz, which is good enough for the majority of the applications. But the best part about the CPU is that it can be boosted up to 4.0 GHz. It just doesn’t stop here. You can still overclock the CPU and maybe bring it to 4.2 GHz if you really know how to bring about the processor’s true potential. Moreover, the AMD FX-8120 is an extremely efficient CPU that has around 8MB of L3 cache and 348KB of L1 cache. These caches work like a funnel and ensure that the CPU is fed each second with the required data with no delays. Last but not least, the operating temperature of the CPU is 61 Degrees, so make sure there’s a decent amount of airflow inside the case.

Let me assert as clearly as possible that the AMD Athlon II X2 240 is not for gaming at all. However, it’s a well-thought-out processor for small scale tasks only. For example, with AMD Athlon II, you can probably perform coding and routine transactional orders. As for the rendering and playing games, it’s just not possible to have top-notch results with such a restricted CPU. Anyhow, the chipset still works like a charm on a myriad of setups. Just make sure that you are pairing it with a compatible GPU; otherwise, get ready to experience bottlenecks. Apart from this, the processor has a base frequency of 2800 MHz with a bus speed of 533 MHz. On top of that, the chipset is cross-compatible on both the AM3 and AM2 sockets, so you really don’t have to worry about rolling back to the previous version of the motherboard. Last but not least, the secondary cache of the CPU is somewhat around 2MB which makes it a good candidate for processing data at a decent rate.

The last entry on the list is AMD FX-9590 which is an extremely expensive processor. Probably, it will cost you around $300+, but believe me, it’s really worth it. For example, with this processor, you can literally play modern games. So, what else does one need if they are able to run games flawlessly on a previous generation chipset! Anyhow, the base clock of the FX-9590 is 4.7 GHz which is a huge number. Do you know what’s surprising about this chipset? The boost clock of the processor is 5.0 GHz which is rarely the case with threadripper at times. For what it’s worth, the processor is open to overclocking. All you have to do is pay a visit to the profiling section, and set a curve for the overclocking, and bingo; it’s done. The only downside of the processor is that its maximum operating temperature is 57 Degrees which is very low. The chipset might malfunction in hot and tropical regions. Apart from this, the AMD FX-9590 is a marvellous choice for gamers, renderers, and coders alike.