AMD FX-8370
AMD FX-8370: A Budget 8-Core Processor for Niche Tasks in 2025
April 2025
Despite being released over ten years ago, the AMD FX-8370 processor is still available on the market and draws interest from budget build enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore who might find this CPU useful in 2025, its strengths and weaknesses, and how to properly build a system based on it.
Key Specifications: An Outdated Yet Resilient Platform
Architecture and Process Technology
The FX-8370 belongs to the Vishera family and is built on a 32nm process technology. It is an 8-core processor with a Bulldozer modular architecture, where every two cores share some resources (e.g., instruction decoding module). Due to this characteristic, its actual performance in single-threaded tasks often falls below expectations.
Key Parameters:
- Base Frequency: 4.0 GHz, Turbo Core: 4.3 GHz
- Cache: L2 — 8 MB, L3 — 8 MB
- TDP: 125 W — high power consumption even for its time
- Integrated Graphics: None, but some motherboards with 9xx series chipsets supported discrete GPUs via PCIe 2.0.
Performance in 2025:
- Geekbench 6: 519 (Single-Core), 2057 (Multi-Core). For comparison, the budget Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores, Zen 3) scores about 1500/6000 points. The FX-8370 lags 65% behind in single-threaded tasks and 70% in multi-threaded tasks.
Compatible Motherboards: A Quest for Rarity
The FX-8370 uses the AM3+ socket, which is not compatible with modern AM4 or AM5 platforms. Searching for a new motherboard in 2025 turns into a quest:
- Chipsets: 990FX, 970, 980G. The best choice remains the 990FX due to its support for overclocking and PCIe 2.0 x16 for two graphics cards (in x8+x8 mode).
- Example Models:
- ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R3.0 — Price: $120-150 (new units are rare);
- Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P — Budget option for $70-90.
Important:
- Many boards require a BIOS update to work with the FX-8370. Check the firmware version before purchase.
- Due to the high TDP of the CPU, choose motherboards with reliable VRM modules and heatsinks (e.g., MSI 990FXA-GD80).
Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The FX-8370 works exclusively with DDR3, with a frequency officially limited to 1866 MHz (up to 2133 MHz when overclocked). In 2025, new DDR3 modules are hardly produced, but the used market is saturated:
- 16 GB (2x8 GB) DDR3-1866 — $25-40;
- 32 GB (4x8 GB) — $50-70.
Tip: Use dual-channel mode to increase bandwidth. For gaming, 16 GB is sufficient, but for work tasks, 32 GB is better.
Power Supply: Don’t Skimp on Watts
With a TDP of 125 W and no integrated graphics core, the power supply (PSU) must meet two criteria:
1. Power: At least 500 W (with a margin for a discrete graphics card). For example, for a combination of FX-8370 + Radeon RX 6600, a PSU of 550-600 W is needed.
2. Quality: Choose models with an 80+ Bronze rating or higher (Corsair CX550, EVGA 600 BQ).
Example Prices (2025):
- EVGA 600 BQ — $65;
- Cooler Master MWE 550 Bronze — $60.
Pros and Cons: Who is the FX-8370 Relevant For?
Advantages:
- Multithreading: 8 cores allow for comfortable work with parallel tasks (rendering, video encoding).
- Price: A new processor costs $80-100 — cheaper than many modern budget options.
- Repairing Old Systems: Ideal for upgrading an AM3+ PC without replacing the motherboard and RAM.
Disadvantages:
- Outdated Architecture: Low IPC (instructions per cycle) and lack of AVX2/AVX-512 support.
- Energy Efficiency: Consumes 2-3 times more power than the Ryzen 5 5500.
- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0, DDR4/DDR5, USB 3.2 Gen 2.
Use Cases: Where the FX-8370 Still Holds Up
1. Home Server or NAS: 8 cores can handle simultaneous requests and run virtual machines (Proxmox, TrueNAS).
2. Streaming (with caveats): Using Nvidia's NVENC encoder (e.g., GTX 1660) allows streaming at 1080p.
3. Retro Gaming: Games up to 2015 (The Witcher 3, GTA V) run on medium settings with a GPU like the GTX 1060.
4. Office Tasks and Multimedia: Watching videos, working with documents, browsing — without issues.
Real Example: A user on Reddit built a PC with the FX-8370, 32 GB DDR3, and Radeon RX 580 for running old games and editing home videos in DaVinci Resolve. The system performs adequately, but rendering takes twice as long as on a Ryzen 5 3600.
Comparison with Competitors: Who to Choose Instead of the FX-8370?
1. Intel Core i7-4790K (4 cores/8 threads): Better in single-threaded tasks (+40% in Geekbench 6 Single-Core) but weaker in multi-threaded. Used price — $50-70.
2. Ryzen 5 1600 (6 cores/12 threads): New costs $100-120 but requires an AM4 platform. Advantage — support for DDR4 and PCIe 3.0.
3. Xeon E5-2670 v2 (10 cores/20 threads): Server processor for $30-50 (used), but needs an LGA 2011 motherboard.
Conclusion: The FX-8370 only wins in terms of complete build prices (if you already have an AM3+ board), but loses in energy efficiency and support for modern technologies.
Building Tips: How to Avoid Problems
1. Cooling: The stock cooler is insufficient. Choose tower coolers (Deepcool Gammaxx 400, $25) or AIO (though AM3+ mounts are rare).
2. Overclocking: The FX-8370 overclocks well to 4.5-4.7 GHz but requires a motherboard with quality VRM.
3. SSD Required: Install a SATA SSD (e.g., Crucial MX500 500 GB for $45) — it will speed up system performance.
4. Graphics Card: Don’t buy a GPU more powerful than a Radeon RX 6600 or RTX 3050 — the CPU will become a bottleneck.
Final Conclusion: Who is the FX-8370 Suitable for in 2025?
This processor should be considered only in three cases:
1. Upgrading an Old AM3+ PC: If you already have a motherboard and DDR3, the FX-8370 will provide a performance boost for $80-100.
2. Budget Multithreading System: For tasks where the number of cores is more important than the speed of each (e.g., a home server).
3. Retro Hardware Enthusiasts: For experimenting with overclocking or building a PC in the style of the 2010s.
Alternative: If you are building a system from scratch, add $50-70 and buy a Ryzen 5 5500 + A520 motherboard — this will provide twice the performance and modern technologies (PCIe 4.0, DDR4).
The FX-8370 is an example of how old hardware can find application in niche scenarios. However, in 2025, its time is almost up.