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AMD FX-8170

AMD FX-8170

AMD FX-8170: A Comprehensive Review of an Outdated 8-Core Processor for Enthusiasts in 2025

Introduction

Despite being released over ten years ago (presumably in 2012–2013), the AMD FX-8170 still appears on the secondary market and in some budget builds. However, its relevance in 2025 is questionable. Let's explore who might find this chip useful today and whether it is worth considering in the era of 5nm Ryzen and Intel Core 14th generation processors.

1. Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, Key Features

Architecture and Process Technology

The FX-8170 is built on the Bulldozer microarchitecture (codename - Zambezi) with a 32nm process technology. This represents one of AMD's most controversial designs: 8 physical cores (without Hyper-Threading) divided into 4 modules, where each pair of cores shares resources (such as the FPU). This reduces performance in single-threaded tasks but theoretically provides an advantage in multi-threading.

Key Parameters

- Base/Turbo Frequency: 3.9 / 4.2 GHz (approximate values, as exact specifications for the FX-8170 are not documented).

- Cache: L2 — 8 MB (2 MB per module), L3 — 8 MB.

- TDP: 125 W — high power consumption even for its time.

- Integrated Graphics: None. Video output depends on the motherboard chipset (e.g., 980G with discrete graphics support).

Performance

In 2025, the FX-8170 lags behind even budget modern CPUs. For example:

- In single-threaded tests (Cinebench R23), it is 60–70% slower than the Ryzen 5 5500.

- In multi-threaded tasks (rendering), its 8 cores can be beneficial, but the efficiency per watt is extremely low.

2. Compatible Motherboards

Socket and Chipsets

The FX-8170 uses the AM3+ socket. Compatible chipsets include:

- 990FX — the top variant with overclocking support, SLI/CrossFire (e.g., ASUS Sabertooth 990FX).

- 970 — a basic choice for budget builds (Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P).

- 980G — a rare chipset with integrated Radeon HD 4250 graphics (suitable for office tasks).

Selection Features

- Overclocking: Motherboards with the 990FX chipset and a robust VRM (e.g., MSI 990FXA-GD80) allow the FX-8170 to reach up to 4.5–4.8 GHz.

- Ports: Most boards support USB 3.0 and SATA III, but lack M.2 and Wi-Fi 6.

Prices (new devices):

AM3+ boards are no longer being produced in 2025. Stock available ranges from $60 (970) to $150 (990FX).

3. Supported Memory

The FX-8170 only works with DDR3:

- Types: DDR3-1866 (officially), but many boards support overclocking up to DDR3-2133.

- Recommendations: 16 GB (2×8 GB) — the minimum for multitasking.

- Limitations: The low bandwidth of DDR3 (up to 25.6 GB/s) compared to DDR5 (up to 60+ GB/s) makes the chip a weak link in modern tasks.

4. Power Supply Recommendations

- Minimum Power: 500 W (e.g., EVGA 500 BR).

- With a Margin: 650 W (Corsair CX650M) — if using a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 6600.

- Important: The FX-8170 can consume up to 200 W when overclocked! Choose a PSU with an 80+ Bronze certification or better.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Low cost (new specimens — from $50, if found).

- 8 cores for parallel tasks (e.g., streaming, rendering).

- Easy upgrade for older AM3+ systems.

Cons:

- Outdated architecture: low IPC (instructions per clock).

- No support for DDR4/5, PCIe 4.0.

- High TDP and heat generation.

6. Use Cases

- Work Tasks: Suitable for rendering in Blender or video encoding, assuming speed is not a priority.

- Gaming: Only for older titles (e.g., GTA V, CS:GO) at medium settings. In Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield, the processor will become a bottleneck.

- Multimedia: Viewing 4K video is possible, but for HDR or AV1, a modern graphics card is required.

Practical Example: A build with FX-8170 + Radeon RX 580 (8 GB) + 16 GB DDR3 manages streaming at 1080p@30fps but consumes over 300 W.

7. Comparison with Competitors

- Intel Core i7-3770K (Ivy Bridge): Better in single-threaded tasks (+40%), but only 4 cores.

- AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (2017): 6 cores/12 threads, DDR4 support — multi-threaded performance is 80% higher.

- Modern Alternatives: Ryzen 5 5500 ($120) — three times more energy-efficient and faster in all scenarios.

8. Assembly Tips

- Cooling: A cooler with a TDP dissipation of 150 W (e.g., Cooler Master Hyper 212).

- Graphics Card: No higher than NVIDIA RTX 3050 or AMD RX 6600 to avoid imbalance.

- Drives: Use SATA III SSDs (Crucial MX500) — NVMe is not available.

9. Final Conclusion: Who is the FX-8170 Suitable for in 2025?

This processor is worth considering only in two cases:

1. Upgrading Old PCs: If you already have an AM3+ motherboard and DDR3.

2. Budget Projects: For tasks where multi-threading is more important than energy efficiency (e.g., home server).

Alternative: For $150–200, you could build a basic system with Ryzen 5 5500 + A520 + DDR4, which would outperform the FX-8170 in all aspects.

Conclusion

The AMD FX-8170 is a relic from an era when multi-core processing was just gaining traction. In 2025, it falls behind even budget CPUs but may find niche applications. For most users, the choice is clear: invest in modern platforms.

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Basic

Label Name
AMD
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
October 2012
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
FX-8170
Code Name
Zambezi
Generation
FX (Zambezi)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
8
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
8
Basic Frequency
3.9 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 4.5 GHz
L1 Cache
384 KB
L2 Cache
8 MB
L3 Cache
8 MB (shared)
Multiplier Unlocked
Yes
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
AMD Socket AM3+
Bus Frequency
200 MHz
Multiplier
19.5x
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
32 nm
TDP
125 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 2
Transistors
1,200 million

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR3
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
On certain motherboards (Chipset feature)