AMD FX-8350
AMD FX-8350: A Comprehensive Review of the Outdated Eight-Core Processor in 2025
Current as of April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Architecture, Process Technology, and Performance
Architecture and Process Technology
The AMD FX-8350, released in 2012, is based on the Piledriver microarchitecture with a 32 nm process technology. It is an 8-core processor without multi-threading support (8 threads), which feels outdated in 2025. It features an L3 cache of 8 MB, and its 125 W TDP highlights its power consumption. There is no integrated graphics, but separate chipsets (e.g., 980G) could connect discrete GPUs via motherboard interfaces.
Performance
In Geekbench 6 tests (Single-Core: 498, Multi-Core: 2076), the FX-8350 lags significantly behind even budget modern CPUs. For comparison, the Ryzen 3 7300X scores around 1500 points in single-threaded mode. However, its 8 physical cores allow it to manage multitasking, such as rendering in Blender and video encoding in HandBrake. Yet in gaming, its weak IPC (instructions per cycle) and low clock speed (base 4.0 GHz, turbo 4.2 GHz) become critical issues.
Key Features
- Overclocking potential: Can reach 4.8–5.0 GHz with good cooling.
- Low cost: New units (if available) cost $50–70.
- OS compatibility: Works under Windows 10/11 and Linux, but drivers are outdated.
2. Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
Socket AM3+
The FX-8350 uses the AM3+ socket, which is not compatible with modern AM4/AM5. Popular chipsets include:
- 990FX: For enthusiasts (supports CrossFire/SLI, overclocking), e.g., ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 ($150–200 new).
- 970: Budget option (Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P, $100–130).
- 980G: Integrated graphics through third-party chips (rare in 2025).
Choosing Considerations
- Ensure support for USB 3.0 and SATA III for SSDs.
- Avoid motherboards with weak VRMs—overheating during overclocking is guaranteed.
- PCIe 2.0 limits modern GPUs: An RTX 4060 on PCIe 4.0 x8 will operate on PCIe 2.0 x8, losing up to 15% FPS.
3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The FX-8350 works with DDR3-1866 (officially), but overclocking allows the use of modules up to 2133 MHz. The amount can reach up to 32 GB (4 slots). By 2025, DDR3 is outdated: 16 GB (2x8 GB) costs $40–60, but new kits are scarcely produced. DDR4/DDR5 are not supported, making system upgrades impossible without platform replacement.
4. Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 125 W and no integrated graphics, the minimum power supply wattage is 500 W (e.g., Corsair CV550, $60). Considering a discrete graphics card:
- For RTX 3060: 600–650 W (EVGA 600 GD, $70).
- For RX 6600: 550 W (Be Quiet! System Power 10, $65).
Choose a PSU with 80+ Bronze certification and overload protection. Cheap models (like Aerocool VX-500) may not handle the peak consumption of the FX-8350 when overclocked.
5. Pros and Cons of the FX-8350
Pros:
- Low price for 8 cores.
- Room for experimentation with overclocking.
- Support for older OS and software (e.g., Windows 7).
Cons:
- High power consumption.
- Weak single-threaded performance.
- No support for NVMe, PCIe 3.0/4.0, USB 3.1.
- Limited upgrade potential.
6. Use Case Scenarios
Gaming
- Older titles: GTA V, CS:GO—60–100 FPS on medium settings with a GTX 1660-level GPU.
- Modern AAA games (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield): low FPS (25–40) due to CPU load.
Work Tasks
- Rendering in Cinebench R23: 8 cores manage but are 2–3 times slower than Ryzen 5 5500.
- Virtualization: 8 cores are useful, but the lack of SMT (analogous to Hyper-Threading) reduces efficiency.
Multimedia
- Streaming via OBS: possible using NVENC on an NVIDIA GPU.
- Media server: Less energy-efficient than Raspberry Pi 5, but higher performance.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Core i7-3770K (2012):
- Better in single-threaded tasks (+20%), but only 4 cores. Price: $60–80.
Ryzen 3 5300G (2021):
- 4 cores/8 threads, 7 nm, integrated graphics. Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 1200. Price: $100–120.
Intel Core i3-13100 (2023):
- 4 cores/8 threads, DDR5, PCIe 5.0. Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 1800. Price: $130–150.
The FX-8350 trails even budget newcomers, but is cheaper. However, the $30–50 price difference is unjustified—modern CPUs are more energy-efficient and powerful.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- Cooling: Cooler rated for 150 W TDP (DeepCool Gammaxx 400, $25).
- Motherboard: Look for models with VRM heatsinks (e.g., ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0).
- SSD: SATA III is mandatory (Crucial MX500 500 GB, $45).
- GPU: No higher than RTX 3060/RX 6600 to avoid bottlenecks.
- Beginner Build:
- FX-8350 ($60) + ASUS 970 PRO GAMING/AURA ($120) + 16 GB DDR3 ($50) + RX 580 8 GB ($100) + 500 GB SSD ($45) + 600 W PSU ($70). Total: ~$445.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the FX-8350 Suitable for in 2025?
This processor is suitable for:
- Enthusiasts experimenting with overclocking.
- Budget builds, where the number of cores is more critical than speed.
- Secondary PC for office tasks or retro gaming.
However, in 2025, even $150 will get you a Ryzen 5 5500 or Core i3-13100, which offer twice the performance and modern technologies. The FX-8350 is a relic, relevant only in very narrow scenarios. Buy it only if other options are unavailable.