AMD FX-8150
AMD FX-8150: A Comprehensive Review of an Obsolete 8-Core Processor in 2025
(Relevant as of April 2025)
1. Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, and Essential Features
The AMD FX-8150, released in 2011, was one of the first 8-core solutions for home PCs. Despite its age, it is still found on the second-hand market and in budget builds.
- Architecture: Zambezi (Bulldozer family).
The modular structure of Bulldozer combines two cores into a single module, allowing AMD to reduce manufacturing costs. However, this became a weakness: cores share resources (like the instruction decoder), reducing efficiency in single-threaded tasks.
- Process Technology: 32 nm.
By 2025, this is an outdated standard—modern CPUs utilize 5–7 nm.
- Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 478 (Single-Core), 1900 (Multi-Core).
- In multi-threaded tasks (rendering, video encoding), the FX-8150 shows modest performance, comparable to modern budget processors like the Ryzen 3 5300G. In gaming, it lags behind even Intel’s 12th generation Core i3 due to weak IPC (instructions per cycle).
- Key Features:
- 8 physical cores (a rarity in 2011).
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking.
- Support for AMD Turbo Core technology (automatic frequency boost up to 4.2 GHz) and AVX instructions.
2. Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
The FX-8150 uses the AM3+ socket, which is not compatible with modern AM4/AM5 platforms.
- Chipsets:
- 990FX — high-end option with CrossFire/SLI support (e.g., ASUS Sabertooth 990FX).
- 970 — budget boards (Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P).
- 980G — models with integrated graphics (though the CPU itself does not have this!).
Considerations for 2025:
- New AM3+ boards are not being produced; only second-hand or leftover stocks are available. Prices for new ones (if found) range from $80–120.
- Look for models with a quality power system (VRM 8+2 phases) for stable overclocking.
- USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s are only found on high-end chipsets.
3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The FX-8150 works with DDR3 (it does not support DDR4/DDR5).
- Maximum frequency: 1866 MHz (up to 2133 MHz when overclocked).
- Dual-channel mode is recommended (2x4 GB or 2x8 GB).
- In 2025, DDR3 is outdated, but 8–16 GB modules can be purchased for $20–40 (new, such as Kingston HyperX Fury).
4. Power Supply: Minimum 500 Watts
With a TDP of 125 Watts, the FX-8150 demands a good power supply, especially when overclocked.
- Recommendations:
- Minimum power supply wattage: 500 W (considering a discrete graphics card).
- It's best to choose models with an 80+ Bronze certification or higher (Corsair CX550 — $60, Seasonic S12III-500 — $65).
- Avoid cheap noname power supplies: unstable voltage can damage components.
5. Pros and Cons of the FX-8150
Pros:
- Low price ($40–60 on the second-hand market).
- 8 cores for multi-threaded tasks.
- Overclocking potential up to 4.5–4.8 GHz (with good cooling).
Cons:
- Low performance in games and applications that are single-thread dependent.
- High power consumption.
- Outdated platform (no PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2, NVMe).
6. Use Cases: Where is the FX-8150 Relevant in 2025?
- Office Tasks and Web Browsing: Suitable for basic needs, but even here, modern Pentium Gold performs better in energy efficiency.
- Multimedia: Streaming video (YouTube, Netflix) and light editing in DaVinci Resolve are possible, but rendering will take 2–3 times longer than on a Ryzen 5 5600.
- Server Tasks: Can operate as a home NAS or media server.
- Gaming: Only older titles (GTA V, CS:GO) at low settings. FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield will drop below 30 frames even with an RTX 3060.
Real Example: A user on Reddit built a PC with the FX-8150 and Radeon RX 580 for playing War Thunder. Result: 45–60 FPS at medium settings in Full HD.
7. Comparison with Competitors
- Intel Core i7-2600K (2011):
- Better in Single-Core (Geekbench 6 ~550), worse in Multi-Core (~1600).
- Used price: $30–50.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (2022):
- Geekbench 6: 1600 (Single), 6400 (Multi).
- New costs $120 but requires an AM4 platform.
Conclusion: The FX-8150 falls short even against budget modern CPUs but may serve as a temporary solution for tight budgets.
8. Building Tips for a PC with FX-8150
- Cooling: Cooler with a TDP rating of 150 Watts (Deepcool Gammaxx 400 — $25).
- Motherboard: Look for models with VRM heatsinks (ASUS M5A99FX PRO).
- Storage: An SSD is essential (Kingston A400 480 GB — $35), otherwise the system will be sluggish.
- Upgrade: Consider transitioning to AM4 (Ryzen 5 5500 + A520 — $200) for a significant performance boost.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the FX-8150 Suitable For?
This processor should be considered only in cases such as:
- Ultra-budget build (up to $150) for an office or media center.
- Experiments with overclocking for fun.
- A temporary solution before upgrading to a modern platform.
Alternative: For $200–250, you can build a system on Ryzen 3 4100 or Intel Core i3-12100F that will outperform the FX-8150 in all scenarios.
If you find the FX-8150 in an old PC, try reviving it with an SSD and a Linux distribution. However, for serious tasks in 2025, this CPU is hopelessly outdated.