10 Best AM3 + CPU – Efficient & Budget Friendly List

Is your computer lagging constantly? Battery drainage is way faster than usual. Or maybe it is overheating like crazy? If the answer to these questions is yes, then the problem most likely resides in your processor. Read on to find out about the best AM3+ CPU and why they’ll provide you with a better service than the others.

You need to check this article out right away if you are a hardcore gamer obsessed with hour-long gaming sessions.

However, it might be a bit tricky for some of you out there to know what you are looking for unless you are a tech-savvy person.

That’s why we have done the research for you and come up with this incredibly informative post. This list will help you to find the best AM3+ CPU for your desktop.

So, without further ado, let’s get right into it!

In this segment, you’ll find a short comparison chart between all the ten processors we’ll be talking about today. Hopefully, a side-by-side comparison of all the top processors will give you an honest sneak peek into their overall configuration.

It will also help you shortlist a few of these processors based on their specific features.

Top 10 Best AM3+ CPU Reviews

Here’s where we tie all our information together and provide you with an in-depth review of all the AM3+ processors in this article. Go through them properly to learn more about the specifications of the processors along with their pros and cons.

1. Best Overall: AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX-8350 Black Edition Processor

Key Features

• Features 8 cores/ 16 threads
• Frequency ranges from 4.0 to 4.2 GHz
• Total 16 MB cache memory
• AM3+ CPU socket module

Product Specifications

The first processor that we have on our list today is the FX 8350 Black Edition Octa-Core Processor from AMD.

If you are looking to get maximum performance for all your gaming, streaming, and designing needs, then this product will be the one that you should go for.

Featuring an octa-core processor working at a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz that can boost up to 4.2 GHz under overdrive, FX – 8350 seems to be pretty impressive in the basic hardware department. Plus, if you add a Wraith Cooler to it, the performance can go up to 4.73 GHz as well.

The processor requires a power wattage of 125W, and in return, it provides a limit of 8/8 MB Level 3 cache support.

Plus, the HyperTransport Technology of AMD can get you up to as much as 8.0GB/s when it comes to HyperTransport I/O bandwidth and up to 16GB/s when it comes to HyperTransport Generation 3.0 mode.

2. Second Best: AMD FD8320FRHKBOX FX-8320 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition Processor

Key Features

• Octa-core desktop processor
• Cache memory up to 16 MB
• Frequency ranges from 3.5 to 4.0 GHz
• 125W TDP maintenance

Product Specifications

At number 2, we have the FX-8320 from AMD. If you felt that the price for the previous one is a bit too much for you to currently afford, then feel free to go for this one instead. It offers pretty much all the same specifications as that of FX-8350, minus a few advanced tweaks.

The FX-8320 features an octa-core processor configuration alongside a 3.5 GHz base frequency going up to 4.0 GHz. The Bulldozer architecture of AMD ensures improved efficiency and maximum multitasking experience.

Like the of FX-8350, the FX-8320 is also capable of running intensive gaming sessions and video editing software for hours.

The 8/8 MB level three cache capacity helps to run multiple applications at once without lagging.

Also, the performance curve via AMD overdrive software gives you access to the configuration control that you want. Overall, at a significantly lower price than the FX-8350, you’ll be getting almost all the added benefits and services with FX-8320.

3. Best For High Budget: AMD FD8370FRHKHBX 4 GHz FX-8370 Octa-Core Desktop Processor with Wraith Cooler, Black Edition

Key Features

• Octa-core processing unit
• Can go up to 4.3 GHz or higher
• Integrated Wraith Cooler Tech
• DDR3 SDRAM computer memory

Product Specifications

If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck, look no further than this FX- 8370 by AMD right at your disposal. It’s a slightly updated version of the FX- 8350 with a better insulating system plus faster processing power.

You’ll have to either be a real tech-savvy or do diligent research on the previous models to figure out the proper configuration for this one. Even though the set-up of FX-8370 is almost the same as that of FX-8350 and FX-8320, the configuration can throw you a bit off if you aren’t used to the previous ones.

Featuring an octa-core desktop processor, the FX-8370 can go up to 4.0 GHz in base frequency and 4.3 GHz in max turbo.

With an AM3+ CPU socket and up to 16 MB cache capacity for 125W power usage, it will provide you with more frequency than the previous two.

4. Best for Advanced Streaming: AMD CPU FD8350FRHKHBX FX-8350 8Core AM3 16MB 4200MHz 125W with Wraith Cooler Retail

Key Features

• Octa-core processor with 16 threads
• Frequency boosts up to 4.2 GHz
• Integrated Wraith Cooler Retail Tech
• 8 MB Level 3 cache capacity

Product Specifications

Fourth up on our list is the FX-8350, coupled with the incredible Wraith-Cooler Retail by AMD. The specifications are pretty much the same as that of our first pick—FX-8350 Core Black Edition—with the exception of the added Wraith Cooler Tech.

This specific model is actually a part of the ongoing FX- series AM3+ processors. It features a powerful octa-core desktop processor with a total of 16 MB Level 3 cache. The base frequency starts at a 4.0 GHz that can boost up to 4.2 GHz under the max boost clock.

The default Wraith Cooler Tech keeps the temperature in control, therefore allowing you to run multiple applications at once without lagging or extra battery consumption.

Also, the optimum temperature is maintained constantly, and the highest temperature it will allow is 61 degrees Celsius.

This AM3+ model of AMD also encompasses a high-k metal gate to prevent and reduce the leakage of current.

5. Best for Graphics: AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition FX-8300 3.3 GHz with 4.2 GHz Turbo Octa core 

Key Features

• Integrated Bulldozer architecture by AMD
• Turbo octa-core processor
• Frequency ranges from 3.3 GHz to 4.2 GHz
• Only 95W power wattage

Product Specifications

If you are looking for something a little more stable for graphic designing or 3D modeling sessions, it’s in your best interest to go for our last product: the FX-8300 by AMD. It features the Bulldozer architecture by AMD that provides you with overall improved efficiency and performance.

The model enlists a turbo octa-core processor with a 16 MB Level 3 cache architecture. Plus, the base frequency starts at a mere 3.3 GHz which can go up to 4.2 GHz under max turbo.

On the other hand, the power wattage for this baby is only 95W, which means that the model provides more core performance without raising the power requirements.

The increased clocking speed also ensures a smooth and advanced design experience.

Furthermore, the presence of the bulldozer architecture by AMD takes the multitasking experience of FX-8300 to the next level. You’ll be able to stream, draw and design your 3D graphics all at once without much lagging at all.

6. Best for Overclocking: AMD FD832EWMHKBOX FX-8320E 8 Core CPU Processor AM3+ 4000Mhz 95W 16MB FD8370EWHKBOX

Key Features

• An octa-core processor
• Overclocking speed of 4.0 GHz
• Needs power wattage of 95W
• Comes with the ‘Bulldozer’ architecture which will ensure a heightened user experience

Product Specifications

An overclocking speed of 3.2 GHz? Not bad! Maybe not the fastest in the market at this price, but the AMD FX-8320E is certainly worth the money – a perfect buy for someone on a tight budget. Moreover, it won’t cause the CPU to heat up in a blur, which is a big pro point on its own!

It comes with 8 cores, providing a premium-level gaming experience! This should be one great multi-tasker, too, and with a brilliant efficiency at that. The CPU definitely guarantees great performance!

The cooling system on this CPU is a banger. Although this feature could use some improvement, it should still deliver optimal performance.

Also, the price for this amazing CPU is one of the most reasonable ones in the market. Not to mention, it delivers quality for the price you pay too. So, all in all, it is budget-friendly as well as a jam-packed CPU!

 7. Ideal for Long-Hour Gameplays: AMD FD9590FHHKWOF FX-9590

Key Features

• Includes AMD Eyefinity technology, making it slightly superior to all of its predecessors
• 8-core processor
• The base clock of 4.7 GHz and max clocking speed of 5.0 GHz
• AMD turbo core 3.0 technology for an ultimate experience

Product Specifications

Equipped with the AMD Eyefinity technology, the AMD FX-9590 will offer you a top-notch experience with an ultra-high resolution.

Do you know the unbelievable base clock it comes with? Let me break it to you: 4.7 GHz and even 5.0 GHz at some time and higher! This CPU hasn’t even been over-clocked fully yet, and it is already reaching for the stars.

This should easily be able to quench your thirst if you’re looking for a processor that is super power-packed. And this is probably the best feature it has because the speed is really, really fast!

On the other hand, we have the power consumption of the CPU, which comes around to 220 watts at most. This is probably the only downside of the product since it can rather drain electricity in hours; however, the rest of the amazing features easily outdo this minor issue.

And yes, it’s an 8-core processor. So, we indeed are dealing with the beast of processors here! These processors feature AMD turbo-core 3.0 tech that enhances the multimedia performance by many folds.

 8. Best for Multitasking: AMD FX-8120 8-Core Black Edition Processor Socket AM3+ – FD8120FRGUBOX

Key Features

• Comes with Bulldozer architecture
• For faster speed, it also includes the Turbo Core technology
• The 8-core processor makes multi-tasking an easy everyday drill
• Energy-efficient

Product Specifications

The octa-core processor of the FX-8120 will provide you with the best experience. It offers excellent multi-tasking ability and, not to mention, amazing rendering speeds.

If you’re a gaming lover and want a nice CPU without selling one or two of your limbs, then say hello to the bad boy of the industry! It can even take the pressure of high-end games.

The speed is good. Actually, it is one of the best at this price! It can provide 4.2 GHz at maximum, which is a complete bang for your buck and can run everything at your desired resolution. Whether it’s high or low, this baby can handle it. Just bring it on!

Last but not the least, it is durable. It is not going to leave you alone for a long time once you bring this monster home. Yes, it might have a few issues, but the strength is worth the patience.

 9. Perfect for Wattage Control: AMD FX-6200 FD6200FRGUBOX 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor

Key Feature

• Needs a power of 125 Watt
• Can play graphics up to very high resolutions
• Doesn’t lag and can multi-task efficiently
• Features 6 cores

Product Specifications

Say hello to the AMD FX-6200! It can play ALL the games you like, with perfect coolness. So, if you’re looking for a CPU that can take the pressure without burning with the pressure, you found your buddy! No need to search any longer.

It can play all those things you want it to. And it can render them and play them fast. MUCH faster than your expectations! At an incredibly whopping base overclocking speed of 3.8 GHz, this one is certainly one of the best ones for the price!

The stock cooler it comes with works like a charm. Unlike a majority of the above products, you don’t need to spend extra cash on a water cooler for this one. The 6-core processor isn’t bad itself and can multitask effectively. So, we definitely recommend this CPU.

10. Ideally Low-noise: AMD FD6300WMHKBOX FX-6300 6-Core Processor Black Edition

Key Features

• Fast rendering speed due to AMD Overdrive software
• Overclock unlocked for optimal performance
• Hexa-core processor
• Needs a power wattage of 95 Watt

Product Specifications

First comes the most amazing feature this baby possesses: its ability to deliver high performance while saving a lot of power. Throughout the list, we have come across some processors that use low power, while others use a beastly amount (but work like beasts too). This one beats all of them by far in this aspect!

Multitasking is impossible without proper cooling. Well, you don’t need to worry about that anymore. You can open as many tabs as you want on Chrome, render a couple of video files and game at the same time.

This is because this baby has got muscles in the form of coolers which keep the temperature low and the amount of productivity burning hot!

The 6-core processor can multitask like a pro without even much of a lag. On top of that, it is kind to your pocket. It does not cost a fortune and delivers amazing quality for the price.

Features to Look for Before Buying an AM3+ CPU

Now that you have read through all the specifications, you can understand the importance of proper technical knowledge to figure out the right processor for your desktop computer.

Let’s face it, these things are costly, and the last thing you want is to get the wrong CPU for your setup.

So, if you want to make a worthwhile investment, we will highly recommend that you read this buying guide to learn all about the best AM3+ processor before you lock in your decision.

Cores

The cores basically refer to the number of processors within the CPU. The processors help with, well, you guessed it – processing different commands and their execution. So, you can obviously understand that if the number of processors is high, so will the overall processing power and performance.

Even a few years ago, the best we could work with was quad-core processors, which enlisted four processing units. Now, we have octa-core processors that can provide double the overall performance and faster processing speed!

Caches

The cache implies the amount of data transfer capacity between the CPU and RAM of a computer.

A higher cache capacity refers to the fact that it can move more data at a time. There are three layout formats for the cache – L1, L2, and L3, and they are all arranged based on their processing speed and storage space.

In a high-processing computer, the CPU cache will continuously store some data on a temporary basis so that you can work faster. How does it speed up your computer?

Copies of instructions sent by the RAM are stored here in megabytes (MB). The cache transmits data at a much faster speed than the RAM. So, your CPU doesn’t have to wait around for the data to be sent to it, thus speeding it up.

Not everyone will pay heed to this one, as we are more used to deleting the cache files from our devices. But the amount of cache memory a CPU has is directly proportional to how it will perform. So, make sure the AM3+ CPU comes with a cache memory of at least 6 to 8 MBs.

Threads

If you are looking to buy a new CPU, be sure to consider the number of threads it offers. AM3+ processors offer four threads, whereas AM4 processors offer eight threads. The more threads your CPU has, the more tasks it can simultaneously handle. However, keep in mind that more threads don’t always mean faster performance. The best CPUs for gaming will typically have at least six or eight threads.

Clocking Speed

The clock speed rate is a measurement of the overall frequency of your processors. It gives you an insight into how fast the chip operates with your system. The base clock speed refers to the slowest possible frequency rate, while overdrive or turbo clock speed refers to how fast it can go without lagging.

It’s measured in Gigahertz. Always look into this section while you shop for a CPU. If you need something for extensive gaming sessions, i.e., anything that requires super-fast processing speed, go for at least a 4.0 GHz base clock speed, if not higher.

But there’s a catch here. Even though overclocking is often a pro side in most cases, it can be a reason for your system to crash if you let it go on for hours without checking on it.

Socket Modules

Just like you need the right charging cable for your mobile phone, your CPU also needs the right socket module in your motherboard for the processor to work.

You don’t want to spend all that money behind a new processor only to realize that it doesn’t fit in with your existing set-up, do you know? Almost all the processors we have talked about today enlisted the AM3+ socket type, which is generally compatible with the AM3+ processors.

Most AM3+ sockets are usually compatible with the previous AM3 models as well, with some exceptions.

The bottom line here is, to make sure to go through the specifications of a processor thoroughly and check to see whether the model of your choice is compatible with the socket type of your motherboard.

Trying to install a processor that’s incompatible with your motherboard might not only result in a system crash but could also ruin both your socket and input slots.

Cooling System

The processor is going to generate a lot of heat. Unless it has a way of dealing with the heat, it will have adverse effects on the CPU. Make sure the amount of heat dissipated by the CPU (and the computer) is directly proportional to the amount of work done to keep everything under control and prevent overheating. Although AM3+ is reliable when it comes to the cooling system, you should still remain cautious about heating up too much.

Motherboard

This should be an obvious one too! However, if you’re new to this, don’t worry, we got you. You need to make sure that your motherboard can support the CPU you’re planning to use and can execute all the programs you intend to run on it.

If the 0.51mm socket is compatible with your motherboard, it means that you can easily install an AM3+ CPU in your computer. Also, make sure the motherboard includes an AM3+ socket before making the purchase.

What Are the Best AM3+ CPUs?

In this segment, we will give you a brief summary of the very best processors in this AM3+ CPU list and let you know about their key features. If you are in a hurry, this snippet might be helpful for you to arrive at a quick conclusion about these products.

Best Overall: AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX-8350 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition Processor

Ranked high for advanced gaming, this baby can take on complex 3D modeling and HD video editing with ease.

Runner-Up: AMD FD8320FRHKBOX FX-8320 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition Processor

The 32-nanometer die shrink is designed to improve overall efficiency.

Best for a High Budget: AMD FD8370FRHKHBX 4 GHz FX-8370 Octa-Core Desktop Processor, Black Edition

This is a top-of-the-line AMD accelerated processing unit with 4 GHz CPU speed and Octa-Core Processor configuration, alongside coming equipped with the Wraith Cooler as a thermal solution.

Best for Advanced Streaming: AMD CPU FD8350FRHKHBX FX-8350 8Core AM3 16MB 4200MHz 125W

Full octa-core processing power with 4 GHz clocking speed and 8 MB level 3 cache architecture in this baby enables you to multitask and stream for hours without lagging.

Best for Graphics: AMD FX 8-Core FX-8300 3.3 GHz with 4.2 GHz Turbo Octa-core Processor (FD8300WMHKBOX)

Enjoy maximum performance from a 4.2 GHz Turbo Octa-Core Processor, as it is suitable for multitasking, running intensive video editing, and 3D modeling applications all together at the same time.

Best for Overclocking: AMD FD832EWMHKBOX FX-8320E 8 Core CPU Processor AM3+ 4000Mhz 95W 16MB FD8370EWHKBOX

If you like pushing the limits when it comes to gaming on your PC, then this CPU processor can be the best bang for your buck.

Ideal for Long-Hour Gameplays: AMD FD9590FHHKWOF FX-9590 8-core 4.7 GHz Socket AM3+ 220W Black Edition Desktop Processor

Similar to its predecessor, this bad boy can handle hour-long gameplays with complete ease as well.

Best for Multitasking: AMD FX-8120 8-Core Black Edition Processor Socket AM3+ – FD8120FRGUBOX

This CPU processor is a beast when it comes to multitasking. It doesn’t matter whether you have two windows open or ten – this baby can handle it all!

Perfect for Wattage Control: AMD FX-6200 FD6200FRGUBOX 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor

This CPU processor works smoothly with a high wattage of 120+.

Ideally Low-noise: AMD FD6300WMHKBOX FX-6300 6-Core Processor Black Edition

With this baby, you can even play games or work on important projects in the dead of night – thanks to the noise-less performance of this CPU processor!

Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a few frequently asked questions to answer some queries you also might have regarding the best AM3+ CPUs. So, here are a few questions a lot of people similar to you may be having.

1. How to install the CPU on the motherboard?

Different processors need to be installed in different ways. Mostly, all you need to do is pull the locking lever up from the socket on the motherboard and then fit it into the processor. That’s all you have to do! However, the process may be different, especially if you’re using an Intel CPU.

2. Can AM3+ work in any other sockets?

Nope. You can only use an AM3+ processor with an AM3+ socket. Not Intel, not AM4, only AM3+. This is because no other socket will be able to support this type of processor, so what is even the point? Thus, it is essential that your motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket to attach the processor to.

3. Which is the best processor for gaming?

Well, we would say that if you can provide power, then AMD FD9590FHHKWOF FX-9590 will prove to be the best for gaming. We must mention that it is on the expensive side, so bear in mind the price of this bad boy.

4. How many threads per core are ideal?

An ideal number would be 1 thread per core. This should work out perfectly. However, some processors come with 1.5 or 2 threads per core. And, in our opinion, those are VERY high quality and offer amazing speed and performance.

5. How much temperature should an ideal processor reach?

It should not exceed 80°C for most modern CPUs. However, we wouldn’t recommend letting it reach this temperature either. It’s better to stay on the safe side, right?

Final Words

We hope you were able to find the best AM3+ CPU from our list. However, if we were to give an overall opinion, we would recommend the AMD FD9590FHHKWOF FX-9590 as the best processor in town right now. It is fast, it is cheap, and it is a bang for the buck!