AMD FX-9590

AMD FX-9590 in 2025: Is It Worth Building a System on the Legendary "Firebird"?

Introduction

The AMD FX-9590 is a processor that shocked the market in 2013 with its TDP of 220W and claimed "8-core" architecture. After 12 years, it has become a cult artifact for enthusiasts and budget builds. But is it still relevant in 2025? Let's dive into the details.

1. Key Specifications: Outdated Giant

Architecture and Manufacturing Process

The FX-9590 is based on the Piledriver microarchitecture (codename Vishera) with a 32nm manufacturing process. This is the last generation of the FX lineup, where AMD tried to compete with Intel by increasing the core count. However, "8 cores" represent 4 modules with 2 cores and shared cache, which reduces efficiency in multi-threaded tasks compared to modern CPUs.

Key Features for 2025:

- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking (base frequency 4.7 GHz, Turbo up to 5.0 GHz).

- Support for AVX and FMA3 instructions — a rarity for processors of that time.

- Low price on the secondary market (new units are unavailable).

Performance

In Geekbench 6 tests (2025):

- Single-Core: 546 — comparable to Intel Core i3-4130 (2013) or Ryzen 3 1200 (2017).

- Multi-Core: 2194 — close to Ryzen 5 1400 but significantly behind modern budget CPUs like Ryzen 3 7300 (Multi-Core ~5000).

Real Experience:

- In games from the 2010s (e.g., GTA V, Witcher 3), it delivers 40-60 FPS on medium settings with a GTX 1060 level graphics card.

- In Blender rendering or video encoding, it lags 3-4 times behind even the Ryzen 5 5500.

2. Compatible Motherboards: Hunting for Rarities

Sockets and Chipsets

The FX-9590 uses the AM3+ socket, which is incompatible with modern platforms (AM5, LGA 1700). Suitable chipsets include:

- 990FX — the top option with SLI/CrossFire support (e.g., ASUS Crosshair V Formula).

- 970 — budget boards (e.g., Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P).

Selection Features:

- VRM Module: Due to the 220W TDP, the motherboard should have at least 8-phase power delivery and MOSFET heatsinks. Boards with 4-phases (like MSI 760GMA-P34) may overheat and shut down.

- BIOS: Updating to the latest version is essential for stability.

Prices (new boards):

In 2025, new AM3+ boards are no longer produced. The only option is stores with leftovers, where prices start from $120 (ASUS Sabertooth 990FX R3.0).

3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3

The FX-9590 works exclusively with DDR3 (officially up to 1866 MHz, but overclocking to 2133 MHz is possible). Modern DDR4/DDR5 standards are not supported.

Recommendations:

- Use dual-channel kits (2×8 GB) with low timings (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury 1866 MHz CL9).

- Avoid DDR3L (lower voltage of 1.35V) — the processor may not recognize it.

4. Power Supply: Don’t Skimp on Watts

Minimum Requirements:

- PSU of at least 600W (for a system with a graphics card like the RTX 3050).

- 80+ Bronze certification or higher.

Examples:

- Corsair CX650M (650W, semi-modular) — $75.

- Be Quiet! Pure Power 12 M 700W — $90.

Issues:

When overclocked, the FX-9590 consumes up to 250W, which can cause voltage drops on cheap PSUs. Use models with Japanese capacitors (e.g., Seasonic Focus GX-750).

5. Pros and Cons: Who Needs It?

Pros:

- Extremely low cost on the secondary market ($30-50 for the CPU).

- Ability to upgrade old AM3+ systems without changing the motherboard.

- Nostalgic factor for retro PC enthusiasts.

Cons:

- Power consumption similar to a modern gaming PC (220W vs. 65W for Ryzen 5 7500F).

- Lack of support for PCIe 4.0, NVMe, USB 3.2 Gen 2.

- Weak IPC (instructions per clock) — lags even behind budget CPUs of 2025.

6. Use Cases: Where It Still Holds Up

Gaming

- Older Titles: Skyrim, CS:GO, Dota 2 — 60+ FPS on medium settings.

- Modern AAA Titles: Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield will run on low settings at 30-40 FPS (given a powerful graphics card).

Work Tasks

- Suitable for office applications, web surfing, and document work.

- 1080p video editing is possible in DaVinci Resolve, but rendering will take 2-3 times longer than with the Ryzen 5 5600.

Multimedia

- Streaming in 720p (when using NVENC on an Nvidia graphics card).

- Watching 4K video — depends on the graphics card's decoder, as the CPU lacks an integrated graphics core.

7. Comparison with Competitors

Modern Alternatives (2025):

- AMD Ryzen 3 7300 ($120): Single-threaded performance is 2.5 times higher, TDP 65W, DDR5 support.

- Intel Core i3-14100F ($110): 4 cores/8 threads, Geekbench 6 Single-Core ~1800.

Retro Competitors (2013-2015):

- Intel Core i7-4790K: Excels in gaming due to Hyper-Threading but costs more on the secondary market ($60-80).

- FX-8350: The younger sibling of the FX-9590 with a TDP of 125W but lower frequencies (4.0/4.2 GHz).

8. Assembly Tips: How to Avoid a Nightmare

1. Cooling:

- Minimum — tower cooler with TDP dissipation of at least 200W (DeepCool Gammaxx 400).

- Ideally — liquid cooling system with 240mm (Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L).

2. Case: Choose models with good ventilation (e.g., NZXT H510 Flow).

3. SSD: Install a SATA SSD (e.g., Kingston A400 480GB) — HDD will bottleneck even Windows 11.

4. Graphics Card: Avoid models stronger than the RTX 3060 — the CPU will become a bottleneck.

9. Final Conclusion: Who Is the FX-9590 Suitable for in 2025?

This processor is worth considering only in two cases:

1. Budget Build from used components (e.g., for $200-300 for a child or office PC).

2. Retro Project for enthusiasts looking to revive the AM3+ platform or experiment with extreme cooling.

Alternative: For the same $50-100, you can buy a used Ryzen 5 1600 or Core i5-8400, which will offer better performance and compatibility with DDR4.

The FX-9590 is a monument to an era when AMD fought for multi-threading at any cost. In 2025, it is interesting only as a historical artifact or a temporary solution for those willing to endure its shortcomings for the sake of savings.