AM3+ Processors are the first generation of AMD’s modular, scalable, and efficient processor architecture. These CPUs were released in 2011 and equipped with AMD FX 8000 series CPUs.
The Best AM3+ CPUs for 2021 have the socket type for AMD processors, which use DDR3 RAM. It is one of the best CPUs for PC gaming because it’s more powerful than its predecessor sockets.
AM3+ can be used for overclocking and is compatible with AM3 CPU coolers. AM3+ motherboards also use DDR2 in addition to the DDR3 memory type. Although, it requires a BIOS update to support the latest RAMs like DDR4.
The latest AM3+ CPUs are expensive, so you can expect a high price-performance ratio from them. Also, these CPUs support an integrated graphics processor (IGP) like AMD Radeon.
Quick Suggestion
AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX-8350
- Maximum Performance
- Hypertransport Technology
- Robust Liquid Cooling System
The AMD FX-8350 Black Edition is a powerful processor that can be used for gaming or other high-performance tasks. It features 8 cores and speeds of up to 4GHz, making it perfect whether you’re building your computer from scratch (or upgrading) as well.
8 Best AM3+ CPUs for 2021 – Our Top 8 Picks
Image | Product | CPU Speed | Price |
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AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX-8350 |
| Price | |
AMD FD8320FRHKBOX FX-8320 |
| Price | |
AMD FD6300WMHKBOX FX-6300 |
| Price | |
AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition FX-8300 |
| Price | |
AMD 3.8 4 Socket AM3 FD4300WMHKBOX |
| Price | |
AMD FD9370FHHKWOF FX-9370 |
| Price | |
AMD FX-Series FX-6300 |
| Price | |
AMD FX-8120 8-Core Black |
| Price |
Based upon the extensive research and review carried out by us, we have finalized our top 8 picks. As per our analysis, these 8 picks are the best of the lot and the detailed description of each of the selected products is as follows:
AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX-8350
FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition Processor
- Platform: Desktop
- Frequency: 4.0/4.2ghz (base/overdrive)
- Cores: 8
- Cache: 8/8MB (l2/l3)
- Socket type: am3+
- Power Wattage: 125w
The AMD FX-8350 Black Edition is a powerful processor that can be used for gaming or other high-performance tasks.
It features 8 cores and speeds of up to 4GHz, making it perfect whether you’re building your computer from scratch (or upgrading) as well.
If you are in the market for one of the best processors for your machine, then this would be an excellent choice that will be able to produce excellent results when running various tasks such as video editing or programming algorithms with ease.
It contains 24% faster frame rates in some of today’s most demanding games, at stunning resolutions and audio encoding for uncompromised musical performance on your system making it the Best AM3+ CPU for 2021.
From video editing to 3D modeling, this industry’s only 8-core desktop processor is specifically designed with mega-tasking in mind. It delivers aggressive performance that ensures no task will be too difficult for your system to deal with.
With this processor, your PC can handle all its tasks with ease. This innovative design is made for those who want to max out their machine’s potential and be able to accomplish anything from editing videos in 4K quality or playing games at high settings without any sluggishness or lag time.
This processor’s liquid cooling system keeps it cool under pressure, and the increased clock rate ensures that you can do unmatched multitasking with improved efficiency with your computer without sacrificing performance.
However, one downside is that it needs more juice to run smoothly compared with others in its class which can be an issue if your computer doesn’t have enough energy-efficient technology installed or you’re trying to conserve power.
Pros
- Maximum Performance
- Hypertransport Technology
- Robust Liquid Cooling System
- Lag-Free Advanced 3D Modeling, Gaming and Video Editing
- Innovative Architecture
Cons
- Higher power consumption
AMD FD8320FRHKBOX FX-8320
FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition Processor
- Supreme power available from virtually every core configuration
- Aggressive performance for mega-tasking and intensive applications like video editing and 3D modeling
- Native desktop Processor for unmatched multitasking and pure core performance with “bulldozer” architecture
- Delivers more Cores and more performance without raising the power requirements
- Frequency: 3.5/4.0 GHz (base/overdrive)
- Cores: 8
The AMD FX-8320 Black Edition is a benchmarking champion with its 8 cores and threads, delivering the goods for those looking to game at maximum settings.
It is a powerful beast and supports six teraflops of processing power for all your heavy-duty needs. With speeds up to 3 GHz, it will process data at an amazing rate whether you are running multiple programs simultaneously or rendering complex graphics in real-time.
Thanks to its powerful, yet energy-efficient architecture this precious piece of hardware is the perfect tool for video editing and 3D modeling.
Whether you’re rendering in After Effects or creating models compatible with Cinema 4D this processor can take on any task that comes along the way.
The bulldozer structural design will give you unmatched multitasking abilities with its 32 nm die shrink designed to reduce leakage for improved efficiency.
Not only that, but it also has increased clock rate headroom so there’s no slowing down your gameplay or workflow when running multiple applications at once.
This processor delivers more cores and performance without raising the power requirements. The frequency is set at 3.5/4GHz which makes it ideal for those who want to push their computer’s graphic processing potential even further, or if you’re using multiple programs on one task with a different need.
It also has 8 threads running in parallel as well as 8MB cache memory per core so that means this baby can handle anything from gaming all day long up until doing complex work like designing a new engine layout late into the night hours.
However, this processor has an industrial-style, noisy and clunky fan that when operated at high speeds makes distracting noise especially when running heavy applications or programs and heavy games.
Pros
- Six Teraflops of Processing Power
- Energy-Efficient Architecture
- Unmatched Multitasking Abilities
- Increased Clock Rate Headroom
- Better Thermals
Cons
- Noisy fan operation
AMD FD6300WMHKBOX FX-6300
6-Core Processor Black Edition
- Frequency: 3.5/4.1 GHz (Base/Overdrive)
- Power Wattage: 95W
- Cache: 6/8MB (L2/L3)
- Socket Type: AM3+
- Frequency: 3.5/4.1ghz (base/overdrive)
- Cores: 6; Supported technologies: aes, avx, fma4
- Cache: 6/8Mb (l2/l3)
The AMD FX-6300 Black Edition is a high-performing microprocessor that can handle any task you throw at it.
It has been optimized to provide the best possible gaming experience and still be an effective workhorse for your home or office needs running up video and audio editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro.
This Best AM3+ Processor utilizes advanced features such as virtualization technology which allows multiple virtual machines (or “virtual worlds”) within Windows Operating System simultaneously.
The cooperative hyper-threading technology enables each core of this powerful chip to act independently yet collaboratively rather than serially processing one instruction a piece in sequence, delivering greatly improved performance by distributing tasks across all processing cores.
It is a 6-core processor that can run at a turbo speed of 4.1GHz with 95W power consumption to the delight of any gamer or multi-tasker looking for maximum performance in their system.
With 8MB cache memory per chip, it has plenty enough space without sacrificing anything else such as overclocking potentials due to its built-in 8th generation x86 architecture which allows more than one core to simultaneously execute instructions on data, so they don’t have to wait around.
This sleek and powerful chip comes unlocked for even more overclocking options, allowing you to tweak your experience in whichever way best suits you whether it be performance, efficiency, or low noise with the built-in utility software.
It is a processor that has been specifically designed to take on multitasking and heavy workloads. This model features an unlocked multiplier, giving users the ability to optimize performance accordingly.
However, this processor doesn’t offer up to mark single-core performance which can significantly hurt you when running intensive applications like AutoCAD or Solidworks.
Pros
- Virtualization Technology
- Cooperative Hyper-Threading Technology
- Turbo Speed of 4.1 GHz
- Take on Heavy Workloads Easily
- Highly Configurable Performance Curve
Cons
- Not up to mark single-core performance
AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition FX-8300
3.3 GHz with 4.2 GHz Turbo Octa-core Processor
- Supreme power available from virtually every core configuration
- Native desktop Processor for unmatched multitasking and pure core performance with “bulldozer” architecture
- Delivers more Cores and more performance without raising the power requirements
The AMD FX-8300 8-Core Black Edition is the fastest processor on the market having an excellent heat dissipation system to keep your computer running smoothly.
The Octa-core design gives you more processing power without sacrificing efficiency or rendering games unplayable due to laggy performance.
This is a 4.2 GHz Turbo Processor that not only offers the best of both worlds but blows away its competitors in just about every category you can think of.
It has the power to keep up with any task you throw at it, whether that’s video editing or 3D modeling. It can even handle intense programs and applications with sufficient ease due to its vast potential.
With its bulldozer architecture, this CPU is capable of handling huge workloads with improvisation. It can run multiple applications simultaneously and still maintain peak performance for when you want to use your computer single-handedly or get some work done without distractions from other programs running in the background.
This new processor has been specifically designed to provide the best possible performance with a higher level of efficiency.
It also features increased clock rate headroom and better thermals, which will make your system work faster than ever before and provide you with that extra power boost when needed.
This processing hardware delivers more cores and performance without raising power requirements and is up to 20% faster than the previous generation with lower operating temperatures and greater multitasking capabilities for high demanding workloads like engineering design or 3D art rendering equipment in professional environments where reliability matters most.
However, this processor needs an emulated debugger running the program, otherwise with no debugger attached it will result in exceptions and crashes.
Pros
- Excellent Heat Dissipation System
- Efficient Processing Power
- Improvised Multitasking
- Increased Clock Rate Headroom
- Less Power Consumption
Cons
- Appropriate debugging required
AMD 3.8 4 Socket AM3 FD4300WMHKBOX
Black Edition
- Frequency: 3.8/4.0GHz (base/overdrive)
- Cores: 4
- Cache: 4/4MB (L2/L3)
- Socket Type: AM3+
- Power Wattage: 95W
- Frequency: 3.8/4.0GHZ (Base/Overdrive)
- Cores: 4
The AMD FX-4300 Black Edition is a processor which can be found in many home computers of today. It has been around for a while but remains an important part of low-end gaming and video editing tasks due to its lower clock speed compared with later models.
It is a hyperthreaded processor with 4 cores and 4MB cache having an unlocked base frequency of 3.8GHz, as well as overclocking potential up to 4 GHz on the stock cooler or 5+ GHz without it.
It is tackling today’s graphics by harnessing the power of tomorrow. This hardware has a captivating architecture based on the next-generation processing level for attaining new levels in gaming with 24% superior frame rates at staggering resolutions.
This is one of the fastest quad-core processors, and it can run almost any game at full speed making it the Best AM3+ CPU for Gaming. It allows gamers to get more out of their experience with amazing graphics while running average programs like Photoshop or MS Office in a snap without worrying about lagging too much during tasks requiring less processing power.
This means people who buy this chip won’t even need an upgrade later down the line because they’ll simply be able to have a brilliant experience than ever before and boost productivity when needed.
This processor is great for encoding audio, but it can only do so much with the 5GHz speed. If you are looking to get higher quality or faster output without sacrificing any other aspects of your melody, then this speedy little chip is an excellent buy.
However, this processor is not ideal for heavy workloads, as it can sometimes have inconsistent performance. It can be hard to work with, especially when there are lots of things happening at once.
Pros
- 24% Superior Frame Rates
- Faster Audio Encoding
- Aggressive Cooling Solution
- Next Generation-Based Architecture
- Quite Economical Product
Cons
- Erratic performance
AMD FD9370FHHKWOF FX-9370
FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition
- Frequency: 4.4/4.7 GigaHertz (Base/Overdrive)
- Cores: 8
- Cache: 8/8MB (L2/L3)
- Socket Type: AM3+
- Power Wattage: 220 Watts
The AMD FX-9370 is a powerful and promising eight-core processor that promises to deliver performance on par with some of the best processors out today.
This black edition chip manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices features higher clock speeds than its counterparts, delivering greater efficiency for gamers looking for smooth frames per second in games such as Far Cry 5 or Rise of The Tomb Raider at 1080p resolution all without sacrificing power consumption which makes this an excellent choice over competitors.
It will run at four different frequencies, with the highest being 4.7 Gigahertz or Base Core Clock Speed + 1Ghz Overdrive Core Speed whichever comes first.
It also has eight cores that are all running simultaneously which is what makes this thing stand out from other processors in its class because normally you need just three to four to work properly without any lag time whatsoever.
This is a powerful and efficient processor, that delivers ample performance with its 8MB of L2 cache, with an additional 1GB per socket for bursts. It also features the advanced microarchitecture pro-tech which boosts up to 3GHz when needed.
The chip can be overclocked without too much trouble, so you’ll never have any issue reaching your desired results at the top speed possible within this power range.
This piece of hardware is the ultimate performance statement for gamers seeking to experience ultra-high resolution graphics including AMD Eyefinity technology.
The 8 core CPU delivers a level of gaming and multimedia knowhow that desktop enthusiasts have been yearning for, with maximum computing power when it comes time to use intensive workloads.
However, this processor has a higher operating temperature than necessary. The lack of heatsink fans results in increased energy consumption and lower productivity, as well as an increased risk of overheating caused by this extra heat generation and dissipation.
Pros
- Emphatic and Optimal Performance
- Brilliant AMD Turbo Core Eyefinity Technology
- Maximize Computing Power
- Higher Clock Speeds
- Efficient power consumption
Cons
- Does not include a heatsink fan
AMD FX-Series FX-6300
FD6300WMHKBOX 3.5GHz 8MB 6 cores
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- AMD
- FX-6300
- 3.5Ghz
- 8MB
- Socket AM3+ / 938pin
The AMD FX-6300 processor is a great addition to any computer with its 6 cores and 3.5GHz clock speed. It can handle intensive tasks like video rendering without slowing down and even run games at high resolutions.
It offers plenty of power for your home or office PC, as it has 8 MB worth of cache memory which will help you accomplish more in less time while using fewer glances at the screen between clicks meaning better concentration on whatever project needs attention next.
An unlocked clock multiplier, which allows for powerful overclocking, makes this the Fastest AM3+ CPU.
It has been designed to increase performance and efficiency as well as reduce noise levels which makes it perfect for your system setup.
The configurable power allows your personal preference on what settings work best based on how much juice you want from this brilliant piece of hardware.
This processor is a high-end powerful chip with speeds and cache size that are both almost 8MBs large enough for smooth working and providing you great performance no matter what project or task you need help completing.
Its 95W power consumption may seem like too much at first but the results show that it isn’t necessary when using top-of-the-line tech tools in your projects.
The processor is the most crucial component for a computer to have. Without it, the system cannot be optimized and will perform poorly in many tasks that require processing power such as gaming or video editing with high expectations from users who want unparalleled performance well within their level of capability and this processor has all such capabilities.
However, the downside of this processor is that it’s not the swiftest or is not effective enough when compared with other top processors for heavy workloads.
Pros
- Increased Performance and Efficiency
- Reduce noise levels
- Configurable Power
- Stays Cool and Works Smoothly
- Low Power Consumption
Cons
- Sluggish compared to competitors
AMD FX-8120 8-Core Black
Edition Processor Socket AM3+
- Overclocking capabilities
- “Bulldozer” architecture
- AMD Turbo CORE Technology
- AMD OverDrive software
- 32nm die shrink
- Overclocking capabilities
The AMD FX-8120 8-Core Black Edition Processor is the perfect solution for demanding gamers and professionals who need to use their machine in high-performance mode.
It features an unlocked processor, meaning that it can be overclocked if you feel like going up against some tough competition.
This chip also has a maximum turbo boost rate which helps make sure all eight cores of this powerful microprocessor are utilized at any given time even when running multiple programs simultaneously or doing intensive calculations on data sets without getting bottlenecked by having too few processing resources available due to its lower clock speeds than other processors.
The Bulldozer architecture built into this processor is designed to increase communication between its cores for unparalleled multitasking and pure core performance.
Additionally, Turbo Core Technology delivers dynamic boost speeds depending on your workloads’ load at frequencies up to 900MHz faster than the competition, giving you a burst of speed when needed without sacrificing stability or power consumption.
This is a fantastic processor for personal computers having 32nm die shrink, which means it’s more efficient and stable than ever before. It is perfect if you’re looking to reduce your power bill or increase everyday performance without sacrificing comfort.
With support up with 8MB L2 or L3 cache memory, this chip will give any machine the edge it needs when running heavy applications like video editing software that relies heavily on system resources that powerful graphics cards can’t provide alone.
However, this processor needs a strong BIOS update to prevent crashes and errors. These updates ensure that your system is running smoothly, increasing the time before you need another one.
Pros
- Maximum Turbo Boost Rate
- Provides Lag-Free Multitasking
- Pure Core Performance
- Efficient power consumption
- Delivers Dynamic Boost Speeds
Cons
- BIOS updates mandatory required
What To Look For When Buying Best AM3+ CPU
Following are some of the best features that must be taken into consideration while buying the Best AM3+ CPUs for 2021:
Cores
Nowadays, even if you run those games on single-core processors, they won’t give you a significant performance increase as there is no way that a single core can outdo the numbers which we get from our modern-day CPUs with 4 and more cores.
Cores and threads both contribute to enhancing your CPU’s performance and hence it is wise to look for a CPU with a good number of cores.
The FX-9590, for example, comes with 8 cores which can give you up to 16 threads by enabling Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT).
High Clock Speed
Not all processors are available in multiple variants i.e., low power and high power. There are some which are only available in the high clock speed variants.
For example, FX-9370 has a base clock of 4.7 GHz and an unlocked multiplier which can be overclocked further to 5 GHz if you have an aftermarket CPU cooler or liquid cooling solution.
Multi GPU support
If you run a dual graphics card configuration or plan on doing so in the future, you should look for a CPU that provides good support for multiple GPUs.
For example, if you go with an AMD FX 8350, it will support Crossfire configurations of up to 4 GPUs but if you choose FX-9590 which has 20 PCIe lanes, your motherboard will support CrossfireX configs of up to 4 GPUs.
Price
You should look for CPUs that offer the best performance at a reasonable price. For example, if you are thinking of moving from an old AM3 processor to a new one, it might make sense to spend a few extra bucks on getting a CPU with better clock speeds.
You should also look for CPUs that are cost-effective and don’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Hyper-threading support
Hyper-threading allows the operating system to recognize one physical CPU as two logical CPUs which can result in better multitasking performance.
For example, if you run a game on one core and a video editing application on another, you can allocate both these tasks to different physical cores.
However, it has been seen that the performance boost which you get from Hyper-threading isn’t exactly very high and not everyone needs this feature in their CPU.
Cache
The cache is a small memory bank inside your CPU which is used to save frequently used data and instructions so that the CPU doesn’t have to read from the main memory every time it needs that information.
The more cache a processor has, the more efficiently it will function. For example, if you run a program that uses a lot of instructions and processes on your CPU, it will make use of the cache to retrieve that data.
If the program doesn’t use very complex instructions, the processor will be able to make use of that instruction more frequently which results in better performance.
Platform
AMD FX processors are only compatible with AM3+ motherboards while Intel CPUs can be used in both LGA 2011 and 1366 sockets. If you go for a newer socket, make sure your motherboard supports it before buying a CPU.
Single vs Multi-threaded Performance
For gaming purposes, the number of cores is more important than the overall clock speed. However, some tasks will be better performed on CPUs with higher clock speeds i.e., a quad-core running at 2.8 GHz is more likely to outperform an octa-core running at 1.6GHz when it comes to video editing and rendering applications.
If you look at the single-threaded performance of processors, it has been seen that they can perform similar tasks even with an octa-core running at 1.6GHz.
For example, the biggest difference in single-threaded performance between FX 6300 and FX 4300 was 12% while the difference in multi-threaded performance between these two CPUs was 46%.
Cache size
The cache memory in your CPU should be checked depending on the type of tasks you will be performing on your processor.
If video editing or rendering applications are what you will be using most often, look for a CPU with plenty of caches to support that application. FX 6300 has 6MB of L2 cache which is more than enough for video editing or rendering applications.
Hyper-threading
As mentioned above, hyper-threading allows the operating system to recognize one physical CPU as two logical CPUs which can result in better multitasking performance.
For gaming purposes, it has little to no effect on the overall performance of your PC so you can either go with a processor without hyper-threading or one which has it.
Socket
AM3+ is a CPU socket that can support both AMD and older Intel CPUs. However, newer sockets like LGA 2011 only support the latest Intel chips while LGA 1366 supports mostly older processors from Intel. You should choose a CPU depending on what type of motherboard you have now.
FAQs
What type of CPUs is suitable for AM3+?
AMD currently makes three different CPUs for the AM3+ socket, the FX-4300, the FX-6300, and the FX-8320. The entire range of Bulldozer processors is compatible with any AM3+ board that has a 942-pin CPU socket on it.
What is the highest-performance AM3+ CPU?
The fastest AM3+ processor is whichever one you can get your hands on quickest. Whether it be the FX-9590 (5 GHz) or FX-9370 (4.7 GHz), AMD’s latest enthusiast chip will push your rig to new highs in clock speed.
However, no matter which one you choose, the fact remains that both chips are extremely expensive and overclock relatively.Is Ryzen compatible with AM3+?
If you already own an AM3+ motherboard, the good news is that most likely it will be compatible with Ryzen CPUs because both use DDR4 memory and have power requirements in common (up to 95W).
The only concern is whether your motherboard has the very specific 8-series chipset which is required to use the newest X370 or B350 chipsets.
Conclusion
There are several superb alternatives when it comes to processors for your PC, and all the formerly cited processors are the Best AM3+ CPUs for 2021 but if you had to select one, I would very much vote for AMD FX-9370 Black Edition.
Underneath the hood, this processor has all your bases covered. It’s got whopping machinery that will allow you to multitask like never with its brilliant AMD Turbo Core Eyefinity Technology.
It boosts your computer’s performance to the max with its exceptional features. This product maximizes computing power and efficient power consumption, giving you all the bragging rights in any video game or rendering application.
The robust liquid cooling system ensures this powerful chip runs cool so it will be ready when called upon at any moment’s notice whether it’s work-related tasks like video editing or personal ones such as streaming videos on Twitch while playing games online simultaneously all night long.
As a successive choice, I would recommend readers consider the AMD FX-8350 Black Edition.
It’ll run all types of tasks quickly and efficiently, with its maximum performance specifically tailored to give you what you need to accomplish more on your machine while simultaneously reducing the waiting time between commands, so projects go smoothly without frozen screens interrupting productivity.
It features Hypertransport Technology to ensure fast processing speeds with minimal lag time or risk of glitches common in other systems making it perfect if you want your game loading up faster than ever before.
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