Before introducing the Ryzen processors, AMD had been successfully running its processor business even with Intel, almost dominating the market. Their AM3+ CPUs attracted tons of users and gained a lot of popularity over the years. And their popularity remains intact still today.
Many PC builders prefer AM3+ CPUs because of their high level of performance that provides a smooth gaming and general operating experience.
However, choosing the best AM3+ CPU is definitely not an easy task. With many options available in the market, you’d have to be cautious enough to pick the right one. We’ve decided to sort out the very best ones among them by testing and comparing them all.
Table of Contents
Best AM3+ CPU
Budget Pick
AMD FX-6300
- CPU Cores & Threads: 6
- Base Clock: 3.5GHz
- Max Frequency: 3.8GHz
- Total L3 Cache: 8MB
- Max Temp: 70.5°C
- TDP: 95 Watt
Best Value
AMD FX-8350
- CPU Cores & Threads: 8
- Base Clock: 4.0GHz
- Max Frequency: 4.2GHz
- Total L3 Cache: 8MB
- Max Temp: 61°C
- TDP: 125 Watts
Premium Pick
AMD FX-8370
- CPU Cores & Threads: 8
- Base Clock: 4.0GHz
- Max Frequency: 4.3GHz
- Total L3 Cache: 8MB
- Max Temp: 61°C
- TDP: 125 Watts
Here are the 10 top AM3+ CPUs available on the market that we consider to be the very best. Each one of them can offer amazing performance and speed up your computer.
1. AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX-8350 Processor
AMD FX-8350 is a powerful 8-core processor, capable of taking on multiple tasks at once almost effortlessly. You will have the next-level performance from this particular processor.
Whether you’re gaming or taking on demanding tasks, this one is well-equipped to swiftly handle everything. This can easily be considered to be the best CPU for the AM3+ platform.
It works with a base clock speed of 4.0GHz, which is already pretty fast. Thanks to AMD’s overdrive software, you can overclock it to get 4.2GHz of clock speed, which will allow you to have even better gaming experience.
With its 8 cores featuring 8 threads along with the 8MB of L3 and 8MB of L2 Cache, it provides decent performance, but it still falls a bit behind other models within this price range.
However, it makes up for it by its outstanding productivity software performance. You’d find this to be excellent in running multiple intensive applications like video editing and 3D modeling at once without even trying too hard. It will make your PC a multimedia powerhouse!
The processor tends to overheat, especially when it’s overclocked. But the ample cooling system that comes with the product reduces temperature by a lot, allowing you to overclock without worrying about overheating.
Pros
- Equipped with 8 cores along with 8 threads
- Can be overclocked easily with the overdrive system
- The affordable price makes it a bang for the buck
- Outstanding performance in handling multiple tasks at once
Cons
- Tend to overheat easily
2. AMD FD6300WMHKBOX FX-6300 Processor Black Edition
If you’re looking for an outstanding performance from an affordable processor, then look no further. It can be easily compared to the more expensive modern models. If you’re thinking of building a budget rig, this can be an amazing addition!
Being a 6-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.5GHz, it will handle many of the demanding triple-A games with ease. If you want a boost in performance, you can overclock it to get 4.1GHz of clock speed with AMD’s signature overdrive software.
When overclocked, you’ll notice a significant improvement in performance. You’d be surprised by its impressive overclocking capabilities.
With the unlocked clock, you are given the ultimate control. As a result, you can customize the performance level, efficiency, and noise production to your preference. Make sure to set up a powerful cooling fan to reduce overheating, and you’d be all set!
It’s extremely reliable as you’d be able to play games with decent FPS and work on multiple intensive applications simultaneously. Thanks to the low price, you will be able to invest more in the GPU if gaming is your priority! So, go ahead and install it onto your PC to transform it into a revved-up beast!
Pros
- Amazing overclocking feature
- Offers impressive gaming performance
- Compatible with a variety of motherboards
- Comes at a super affordable price
- Its durable design keeps the components secured
Cons
- Overclocking requires an additional powerful cooling fan
- Single-core performance isn’t as good as Intel’s
3. AMD FD8320FRHKBOX FX-8320 Black Edition Processor
AMD FX-8320 is easily one of the fastest CPU at this price range. You can rely on this device to provide reliable performance without hurting your wallet. Give your budget rig the exact improvement that it needs to be competent enough to handle all your demanding tasks!
With the unlocked clock multiplier, you’d get amazing control over the processor. This is an innovative feature that you cannot find in other units. As a result, you can easily configure the power and performance to your needs.
You’ll be able to crank up your PC’s performance level with its eight cores. It boasts a base clock speed of 3.5GHz, which is already fast enough to handle harder tasks quickly.
This unit’s overclocking capability makes it stand out from the competitor’s products, reaching up to 4.0GHz almost instantly! Add an excellent cooling system to ensure safe overclocking by reducing the heat. The overclocked performance is noticeably better.
Moreover, this CPU packs a lot of punch with its multi-threaded application. It will not stutter even for a second in handling any type of job, regardless of their heaviness.
Enjoy high FPS in video games and watch videos in high resolution flawlessly after setting it up with powerful components.
Pros
- It can be overclocked easily with increased stability
- Versatile performance with its multi-core and multi-thread
- Provides immersive operating experience
- Customizable with the unlocked clock multiplier
Cons
- Overheats too quickly when overloaded
4. AMD FD8370FRHKHBX FX-8370 Black Edition Processor
The FX-8370 will ensure faster and more reliable computer performance. Coming at a very reasonable price, you’re sure to appreciate its tremendous capability. You’ll enjoy a smoother experience as soon as you hook it up to your PC!
Just like the other black edition processors, this phenomenal CPU is completely unlocked for incredible overclocking ability. With AMD’s specialized Overdrive software, you can overclock it easily to get a clock speed of 4.3GHz. This will take the CPU’s performance up a notch!
However, the base frequency of 4.0GHz is fast enough by itself, so you can get by without overclocking if you dislike it. The wraith cooler that comes with the product is as cool as it sounds!
It runs almost silently but cools down your processor with astounding efficiency. This cooling system will help you to get the best out of the device!
Moreover, the eight cores with the 8MB L3 Cache and 8MB L2 cache design enable the processor to do seamless multitasking. You can watch movies, play demanding games, or run intense apps with no issues!
With features like FMA instructions, Advanced Vector Extensions, and AMD virtualization, its productivity is enhanced by tenfold. As a result, you’re offered a high-performing device to get you through everything with ease!
Pros
- Incredible base speed of 4.0GHz
- Comes with a brilliant cooling system
- Very quiet operation
- Praiseworthy performance from multiple cores
Cons
- Higher power consumption
5. AMD FX-4300 Quad-Core Processor
AMD FX-4300 is considered to be one of the best quad-core processors. It’s been dominating the market with incomparable single-threaded performance. For years, it’s been a worthy competitor of Intel’s famous and more expensive Pentium G4560.
This unlocked device boasts a clock multiplier, which allows you to control the overclocking functions with more convenience. You can configure it to whatever suits you the most.
With its 3.8GHz of base clock speed, it will process everything pretty fast. However, if you need more speed, you can easily increase it up to 4.0GHz through overclocking. It comes with a fan to prevent overheating, but it’s advised to opt for a better fan to keep the unit extra cool.
The 4MB L3 Cache is specially engineered to provide faster and smarter access to important data. So, you’re offered enhanced performance! This one is perfect for low demanding tasks but capable of handling everything with top-notch efficiency.
However, if you set this up with powerful PC components, you’d still be able to play games in playable FPS or work with graphic intensive programs.
Brilliant single-threaded performance
Extremely easy to install
Budget-friendly price
Under normal circumstances, you can rely on it to handle daily office works with no trouble. Even though this is a pretty old processor, it’s still viable due to its highly affordable design and decent performance.
Pros
- Brilliant single-threaded performance
- Extremely easy to install
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Might slow down the PC under heavy workloads
6. AMD FD8300WMHKBOX FX-8300 Vishera Black Edition Processor
AMD’s Vishera line of products are known for being excellent at multi-tasking, and the FX-8300 is no exception. This fully unlocked 8-core processor offers flawless and smooth performance. Aided by this unit, your PC will turn into the workhorse that you need for taking on rigorous tasks with ease.
The total dedicated L2 cache of 8MB and an 8MB L3 cache combined with a 3.3GHz of base clock speed allow it to operate at blistering speed!
It comes with a smart overclocking feature, allowing you to increase the clock speed up to 4.2GHz. This is great as it gives the processor the necessary boost needed for playing advanced games and running multimedia applications. Additionally, the AMD Turbo Core technology makes it even more powerful!
However, overclocking causes the device to overheat, so you better install an effective cooling system to get the most out of it. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the unit.
For the price, it is an amazing and budget-friendly product. It’s capable of providing just about enough power to handle multiple intensive tasks at once! With a little tweaking, you can even get decent FPS from the most modern video games that are extremely demanding!
Pros
- Offers super-fast operation
- Great multithread performance
- Full unlocked and easily overclockable
- Amazing price/performance ratio
Cons
- The stock cooler isn’t good enough to handle overclocking
7. AMD FD8120FRGUBOX FX-8120 Black Edition Processor
The FX-8120 has managed to stay viable even in this day, where the more powerful Ryzen and Intel processors are dominating the market. That’s because it offers incredible performance at a fairly low price. Set it up with powerful components, and you’ll make a beast out of it!
This 8-core unit operates at a base frequency of 3.1GHz, which is fast enough to handle feasible daily tasks. However, it comes with a robust overclocking capability, allowing the clock speed to reach 4.0GHz, which is quite impressive!
It’s completely unlocked, and with the convenient Overdrive software, you’ll have complete control over the clock speed. You’ll be able to tune the performance to your needs with ease. Once overclocked, this device will turn into a beast that is capable of handling core-intensive tasks with no issues!
Also, the innovative AMD Turbo Core technology gives it a performance boost of a maximum of 900 MHz. So, you can confidently depend on it to run everything smoothly.
It sports a 32nm die shrink, which is designed to give a stable performance and work with impressive energy efficiency. It’s a massive improvement from the previous 45nm shrinks. The “Bulldozer” architecture effectively increases the core communication, allowing enhanced multitasking.
Rest assured, as it will provide superior performance at a really low price!
Pros
- Great performance in multithread applications
- Boasts AMD Turbo Core technology
- Easy and controlled overclocking
- Extremely reasonable price
Cons
- Produces a lot of noise in operation
8. AMD Phenom II X4 945 HDX945WFGMBOX Processor
With the AMD Phenom II X4 945, you’d get multicore processing power for a very low price. Although it came out years ago, it’s still going strong with its impressive capabilities. It features four cores, each running at a blazing-fast speed of 3.0 GHz.
As a result, you’re offered incredible processing power to handle highly threaded applications. To make sure each core runs flawlessly, they are equipped with 512K L2 cache, and they share a 6MB L3 smart cache. As a result, you’ll enjoy a trouble-free performance.
This innovative device sports a high overclocking ceiling. You can easily tweak it to crank it up and make its performance reach newer heights! Also, you can rely on it to run multiple applications at once, watch high-definition videos, or even play video games without stuttering!
Although it might struggle a bit to handle the newer and more intensive next-gen games, you can’t really complain about it, judging by how much it has aged and its low price. However, you’d still get great FPS when combined with powerful RAM and GPU.
For faster processing, it sports a number of cutting-edge technologies like HyperTransport Bandwidth, Integrated Memory Control, and the FPU.
It offers stellar energy-efficient running and cooling through its PowerNow and CoolCare technology. This allows the processor to control its energy consumption and help in cutting down the cost. Finding this many features in such an affordable product is surely praiseworthy!
Pros
- Lightning fast and smooth performance
- Multiple outstanding features
- Energy-efficient running cuts down the cost
Cons
- Some products are reported to be shipped with bent pins
9. AMD Phenom II X4 840 HDX840WFGMBOX
AMD Phenom II X4 840 is a solid CPU for the price which is capable of running extremely intensive programs with ease. What’s astounding is that it comes at a very low price but still manages to work almost as good as the more expensive models on the market.
This is a multicore processor with each core running at 3.2GHz of clock speed. As a result, it’s powerful enough to handle multitasking with ease. You’d get true quad-core processing power from this device.
For squeezing better performance, it offers overclocking up to 3.8GHz, which feels feel like a breeze. With it, you can take its performance to the next level! It reduces system bottlenecks by utilizing the HyperTransport technology.
Additionally, the AMD Balanced Smart Cache enhances both the processing power and speed. As a result, it won’t falter even when it is under demanding processing load. You will enjoy working on 3D models, editing videos, or even serious gaming when equipped with this item.
Moreover, this one is an energy-efficient product, offering quiet operation while saving energy and producing less heat. It’s doesn’t overheat as easily as others. So, you’re guaranteed flagship performance from a unit that barely costs anything!
Pros
- Quad-core processing offers exceptional multi-tasking power
- Comes at a very affordable price
- Offers multiple innovative features
Cons
- The heatsink looks and feels tacky
10. AMD FD9590FHHKWOF FX-9590 Black Edition Processor
The FX-9590 launched as a flagship processor in the FX series. Naturally, it is equipped with the best features and components of its time. As a result, it can take up any task with ease. This is the best AM3+ CPU for gaming. If you’re planning to build a budget PC, this one will help you achieve that.
It offers an insane base clock speed of 4.7GHz, which can jump up to 5.0GHz under certain circumstances. This is what you get before you even overclock it! It will satisfy any power-hungry PC enthusiast! With the powerful 8-cores, it will do multitasking with extreme efficiency and high performance.
This unit will allow you to play games in ultra-high resolution with the AMD Eyefinity technology. It won’t contort under heavier workloads. Rather, it will take on any intensive task with ease. To make overclocking feel like a breeze, it is fully unlocked. So, you would be able to overclock it anytime you want.
However, to run this high-demanding processor, you’d require a 220W motherboard. A normal air-cooler won’t be good enough to minimize the heating, so you’d have to get a water-cooler as well. After setting it all up, you’d have a really powerful processor in your beastly PC!
And it comes with multitudes of AMD’s signature features to make it even better and more convenient like AMD Turbo Core technology, Hypertransport technology, etc.
Pros
- Perfect for running highly intensive applications
- Budget-friendly workhorse
- Features multitudes of innovative technology
Cons
- Requires powerful motherboard and water-cooling
What to Look for Before Buying AM3+ CPU
Buying the right processor depends on several factors. We’ll talk about what you must look for in an AM3+ CPU to make buying easier.
Cores
A processor is comprised of multiple cores, which are essentially processors inside the processor. Each of these cores is capable of taking on multiple tasks at once. They work together to provide more power for faster processing.
Four cores should be just about enough, but if your requirement demands more power, you can opt out for units with more cores.
Threads
Threads refer to the number of processes that a chip can deal with at once. In general, it should be the same as the number of cores in your CPU. However, some powerful CPUs offer multithreading. This means a single core can produce two threads. You will have better multitasking performance from more threads.
Cache
The CPU cache is the memory that is utilized to speed up the access of data from a computer’s hard disk or RAM. It decreases the average time that it takes to access memory. You will find caches in three different formats. The L1 offers the fastest operation, but it doesn’t have much room for data storage.
You will find the L2 to have more room, but it operates much slower. The L3 offers the most space by sacrificing speed, so it’s quite sluggish.
Clock Speed
Clock speed is simply a measure of how fast a chip can operate. Naturally, the higher is faster and, of course, better. It’s evaluated in gigahertz or GHz. CPUs come with different clock speed settings. They automatically set the clock speed depending on the tasks and the unit’s temperature.
Some CPUs offer an overclocking feature, which allows you to push the speed of the chip to operate even faster than specified.
Cooling
CPUs produce a lot of heat in operation. This heating can lead to damage of the CPU unless it’s controlled. That’s why your CPU should have a decent cooling system to reduce the temperature to prevent heat-inflicted damage.
AM3+ CPUs come with a very effective cooling system. However, it won’t hurt to be extra cautious.
Motherboard
Make sure that your motherboard is designed to support your choice of AM3+ CPU. Every motherboard comes with a CPU socket, but they aren’t made to be compatible with all the CPU models. Therefore, you must make sure that your motherboard has a socket that matches your choice of CPU.
Another thing you must ensure is that your motherboard must have the correct chipset that can accommodate your CPU. Otherwise, your motherboard won’t be able to handle your CPU at all.
Power Source
You must make sure that your power connection is safe and secure. The cable that bridges the connection between your power supply and the motherboard must be long enough. Many CPUs require an immense amount of energy, so you should get a power supply that is strong enough to provide adequate power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processors will fit in an AM3+ motherboard?
AM3+ Socket, which came out in the middle of 2011, is made for AMD Bulldozer microarchitecture processors and is also compatible with AM3 CPUs. So, the AM3 processors work with the AM3+ motherboard. The AM3+ Socket is also used by the AMD Vishera line of processors.
Can you put an AM3 CPU in an AM3+ motherboard?
Yes, it is possible. AM3 processors should work in AM3+ sockets. However, an AM3+ CPU cannot be installed in an AM3 motherboard.
What’s the difference between AM3 and AM3+?
AM3+ is an upgrade of the AM3 socket. It features one additional pin for new AM3+ CPUs based on the Bulldozer architecture and is compatible with AM3 processors. AM3+ processors are incompatible with AM2 and AM2+ motherboards due to the lack of support for DDR2 memory.
Will Ryzen fit in an AM3+ socket?
Ryzen will fit into a new socket called AM4, which will also be used by AMD’s other new APUs. If you have an AM3+ motherboard or another type, Ryzen won’t work because it’s not compatible with older boards and sockets.
What’s the difference between AM3 and AM4?
The main difference between AM3 and AM4 is the location of the mounting screws, the mounting system changed between the Mugen 3 and the Mugen 4. You can not install an AM4 based CPU into an AM3 based motherboard. This is not possible. However, you can use any AM3 cooler as long as it’s large enough to cover the entire chip.
Final Words
The fact that AM3+ CPUs still hold their ground amidst the more powerful Ryzen and Intel processors says a lot about its capabilities. They are widely available at lower prices, but our reviews should tell you how viable and effective they still are. Some of them can prove to be even better than more expensive ones.
We consider the FX-8350 to be the best AM3+ CPU. It offers impressive performance through its powerful 8-cores and decent cache. Best of all, it’s conveniently cheap, so it won’t break your bank.
You can go for it confidently as it has everything that you look for in an AM3+ CPU. The FX-6300 and the FX-8320 are almost equally amazing and guaranteed to satisfy you through their incredible performance and affordable price design.
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