AMD FX-8320E

AMD FX-8320E: A Budget Eight-Core Processor for Niche Tasks in 2025

Updated: April 2025

1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Features

The AMD FX-8320E processor, released in 2014, remains an interesting artifact from the era of the multicore battle. Built on the Piledriver microarchitecture (codename Vishera) using a 32 nm process, it offers 8 physical cores and 8 threads. However, these are not modern cores with SMT technology—this uses a modular CMT system where two cores share some resources. This explains its low performance in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single Core: 439), but allows for modest multithreaded performance (Geekbench 6 Multi Core: 1734).

Key Features:

- L3 Cache: 8 MB (shared across all cores).

- TDP: 95W (lower than the higher-end FX-8000 models).

- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking.

- No integrated graphics—graphics capabilities depend on the motherboard chipset (e.g., AMD 990FX with HDMI support via external controllers).

Real-World Experience:

In 2025, the FX-8320E appears archaic, but for tasks like rendering simple 3D scenes or encoding video in HandBrake (using all 8 cores), it can still demonstrate its utility. For instance, rendering a project in Blender takes about 30-40% longer than with a Ryzen 5 5500, yet this processor can be found for $50-70 (new units are rare but occasionally show up in stock).

2. Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets

The FX-8320E uses the outdated AM3+ socket, imposing strict limitations:

- Supported chipsets: 970, 990X, 990FX.

- New boards: Not manufactured since 2017. In 2025, only used versions or "new" old stock are available for $60-100 (e.g., ASUS M5A97 R2.0).

- Selection Tips:

- For overclocking, look for boards with a strong VRM (at least 6+2 phases), like the Gigabyte GA-990FX-Gaming.

- Check for support for specific features: USB 3.0, SATA III (not all models have these).

- BIOS must be updated to a version supporting the FX series (relevant for boards released in 2012-2013).

Tip: If you find a "new" board with a 990FX chipset, ensure it hasn't been stored in high humidity—a situation that may have degraded the capacitors.

3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3

The FX-8320E works exclusively with DDR3 memory:

- Officially: Up to 1866 MHz (in dual-channel mode).

- Actually: On some boards with overclocking, speeds can reach 2133-2400 MHz, but performance gains in games will be minimal (5-8%).

- Recommendations:

- Use two 8 GB modules (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury 1866 MHz) for dual-channel operation.

- Avoid memory with high timings (CL9-CL11 are optimal).

Important: DDR4 and DDR5 are not supported. For comparison, even budget Ryzen 5000 processors support DDR4-3200, granting them a bandwidth advantage.

4. Power Supply: Power Calculation

With a TDP of 95W, the processor is relatively energy-efficient, but during overclocking (up to 4.2-4.5 GHz), consumption can reach 140-160W. Recommendations:

- Without overclocking: A 450-500W PSU (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10 500W).

- With overclocking: 550-600W (Cooler Master MWE Bronze 600W).

- Features:

- Look for units with an 80+ Bronze certification and strong +12V rail (at least 40A).

- If using a discrete graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super, add 120-150W to your calculations.

Example Build:

FX-8320E + Radeon RX 580 (150W) + 2 HDD → minimum PSU: 550W.

5. Pros and Cons of FX-8320E in 2025

Pros:

- Price: One of the cheapest 8-core processors on the market.

- Overclocking potential: With good cooling (e.g., Deepcool Gammaxx 400), you can squeeze up to a 20% increase.

- OS compatibility: Works with Windows 10/11 and Linux (drivers not required).

Cons:

- Outdated architecture: No support for AVX2, PCIe 3.0, NVMe (only through adapters).

- Weak IPC: Single-core performance is 2.5 times lower than that of Ryzen 5 5500.

- Energy efficiency: Even after undervolting, it lags behind modern APUs.

6. Use Cases: Where is FX-8320E Relevant?

- Office PCs: For browsing, office applications, and light graphic work (e.g., GIMP).

- Media center: Paired with a GT 1030 graphics card, it can decode 4K H.265 via GPU.

- Server tasks: NAS based on TrueNAS or a home file server.

- Educational projects: Learning the basics of multithreaded programming.

Gaming Performance:

- Older games: Skyrim, GTA V on medium settings (1080p, 40-50 FPS with RX 570).

- Modern titles: Cyberpunk 2077 will launch but at frame rates below 30 FPS even on low settings.

7. Comparison with Competitors

- Intel Core i5-4460 (4C/4T): Better in single-threaded tasks (+25%), but worse in multithreaded tasks (-40%). Price: $30-40.

- AMD Ryzen 3 4100 (4C/8T): 50% faster in games, supports DDR4 and PCIe 4.0. Price: $90 (new).

- Intel Xeon E5-2670 (8C/16T): Cheaper ($25), but requires a server motherboard and DDR3 ECC.

Conclusion: The FX-8320E makes sense only with a strict budget of up to $100 for the entire build.

8. Building Tips

- SSD is a must: A SATA SSD (e.g., Kingston A400 480GB) will reduce OS boot times.

- Cooling: At least a tower cooler with heat pipes.

- Graphics card: Don't select a GPU costing over $150—this processor will become a bottleneck.

- Upgrade: Consider the AM4 platform (Ryzen 5 5500) or AM5 for future upgrades.

9. Conclusion: Who is FX-8320E Suitable For?

This processor should only be considered in three scenarios:

1. Ultra-budget build: When the goal is to stay within $200-250 for a general-purpose PC.

2. Experimentation: For learning overclocking and BIOS modification.

3. Upgrading an old PC: If you already have an AM3+ motherboard and DDR3.

Alternative: For the same $50-70, you can buy a used Ryzen 3 1200 (4C/4T) on the AM4 platform, which allows for upgrade potential.

The FX-8320E in 2025 is a relic, reminding us of the times when AMD focused on multicore without efficiency. However, for very niche tasks, it can still be useful.