AMD FX-8370E
AMD FX-8370E: A Budget Eight-Core for Specific Tasks. Full Review in 2025
Introduction: Why is FX-8370E Still Mentioned?
Although AMD's FX series processors have long been discontinued, interest in them persists in niche scenarios. The FX-8370E, released in 2014, can still be found in budget builds and upgrade systems. In 2025, it can only be purchased on the second-hand market (priced around $50–80), but for certain tasks, it remains relevant. Let's explore who still needs this chip today and for what purposes.
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Features
Piledriver Architecture and 32nm: An Outdated Foundation
The FX-8370E is built on the Piledriver microarchitecture (codename Vishera) with a 32nm manufacturing process. This generation is known for its high multithreading capabilities but low efficiency per core. Eight physical cores (without Hyper-Threading) operate at a base frequency of 3.3 GHz, with Turbo up to 4.3 GHz.
Key Features:
- Multicore: 8 cores with a TDP of 95W — a rare combination for its time.
- Unlocked Multiplier: Overclocking is possible but comes with caveats (high heat, motherboard limitations).
- Compatibility with AM3+: Suitable for upgrading older PCs without replacing the motherboard.
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 512 (Single-Core), 1878 (Multi-Core). In comparison, the Ryzen 5 5500 (2022) scores around ~1500/5500.
- Real-World Use: In 2025, the chip manages office tasks and video encoding in HandBrake (albeit slowly) but struggles with modern games and heavy editing software.
2. Compatible Motherboards: Looking for AM3+
AM3+ Socket: A Bottleneck
The FX-8370E uses the AM3+ socket, which is not compatible with modern AM4/AM5. Current chipsets suitable for it include:
- 970: A budget option (e.g., ASUS M5A97 R2.0).
- 990X/FX: For enthusiasts (Gigabyte GA-990FX-Gaming).
Choosing Features:
- VRM and Cooling: Motherboards with 6+ power phases and VRM heatsinks are essential for stable overclocking.
- Ports: Look for models with USB 3.0 and SATA III (important for SSDs).
- Prices: New motherboards are not produced, but remaining stock sells for $60–120 (e.g., ASRock 970 Pro3 R2.0 — $70).
Important: Many older AM3+ motherboards do not support UEFI, making the installation of Windows 11 complicated.
3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The FX-8370E works exclusively with DDR3.
- Frequencies: Officially up to 1866 MHz, but on many boards, it can be overclocked to 2133 MHz.
- Capacity: Up to 32 GB (4 slots x 8 GB).
Recommendations:
- Use dual-channel kits (2x8 GB 1866 MHz).
- Timings CL9–CL10 are optimal for balancing price and speed.
Example: Kingston HyperX Fury 16 GB kit (2x8 GB) 1866 MHz — $35–45 on the second-hand market.
4. Power Supply: How Many Watts are Needed?
With a TDP of 95W, the FX-8370E is not very power-hungry, but considering the graphics card:
- Without discrete GPU: A power supply of 350–400W is sufficient (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10 400W — $45).
- With a graphics card like the GTX 1660 Super: A 500–600W PSU is recommended (Corsair CX550 — $60).
Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the power supply: older chips are sensitive to voltage fluctuations.
- For overclocking, choose models with an extra +100W headroom.
5. Pros and Cons of FX-8370E in 2025
Pros:
- Price: Three times cheaper than the Ryzen 3 3300X.
- Multithreading: 8 cores for rendering, virtualization.
- Upgrade for Old Systems: Replace Phenom II without changing the motherboard.
Cons:
- Weak IPC: Falls short even against budget Ryzen in single-core tasks.
- Drivers and Support: No optimization for new OS and software.
- Energy Efficiency: 95W compared to 65W for Ryzen 5 5500.
6. Usage Scenarios: Where is it Still Relevant?
- Office PC: Handling documents, browsing, Zoom.
- Entry-Level Server: NAS, media server (Plex).
- Retro Gaming: Running games from the 2010s (e.g., GTA V at medium settings with GTX 1060).
- Learning: Programming, virtual machines (Oracle VM).
Limitations:
- Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield will deliver 15–20 FPS even on low settings.
- 4K editing in DaVinci Resolve is possible but with long rendering times.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Core i5-4690K (2014):
- 4 Cores/4 Threads, Geekbench 6: ~600/1800.
- Better in gaming, worse in multithreading.
AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (2017):
- 6 Cores/12 Threads, Geekbench 6: ~1000/4000.
- Price on the second-hand market: $80–100. Superior in all aspects, including DDR4 support.
Conclusion: The FX-8370E loses even against older Ryzen but is useful for upgrading AM3+ systems.
8. Assembly Tips
1. Cooling: A cooler with TDP of 100W (Deepcool Gammaxx 400 — $20).
2. Motherboard: Look for models with USB 3.0 and UEFI (ASUS Sabertooth 990FX).
3. SSD: Definitely install SATA III SSD (Crucial MX500 500 GB — $40).
4. Graphics Card: Do not choose a GPU more expensive than Radeon RX 6600 — the processor will become a bottleneck.
Example Build:
- CPU: FX-8370E ($60)
- Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 R2.0 ($70)
- RAM: 16 GB DDR3 ($35)
- PSU: Corsair CX550 ($60)
- Total: ~$225 excluding case and storage drives.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is FX-8370E Suitable For?
This processor should only be considered in two cases:
1. Upgrading an Old AM3+ PC: If there is no budget for a new platform.
2. Building an Ultra-Budget System: For tasks that only require 8 cores with low IPC.
Alternatives:
- For $100–150, you can find a Ryzen 5 1600 plus an AM4 motherboard, which will offer a 2–3 times performance increase.
The FX-8370E in 2025 is a choice for enthusiasts nostalgic for the era of the "multicore race" or for those who are severely limited in budget. In all other cases, it’s better to look at Ryzen or Intel Core 10th generation and newer.