CPU Model: Before checking any of the processor specifications, you should consider the CPU model since that alone allows you to compare two different processors. This is due to the reason that higher-end CPU models like the AMD FX 8350 will perform better than entry-level models like the AMD FX 4130. Clock Speeds: The clock speeds of any processor tell you directly about the performance that you can expect as higher clock speeds offer better performance. For the same, you can find the base clock speed which is the minimum clock speed you can expect at all times and the boost clock speed which is the maximum a CPU can go in certain tasks. As for the clock speed ratings, a 4.0 GHz CPU will perform much better than a 3.6 GHz one. Cores and Threads: You should also check the core count and thread count of your CPU since having more cores results in better multitasking performance. Because of this, an 8 core and 8 thread processor is much better for heavy work loads than a 4 core and 4 thread processor for the AM3+ CPU socket.
Best AM3+ CPUs 2023
Best AM3+ CPUs Reviews
1. AMD FX-8350 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition
AMD’s 8000 series of processors are their high-end options if you are looking for something that is great for heavy-duty usage and can be used along with the AMD AM3+ CPU socket. The AMD FX 8350 AM3+ CPU is present at the 1st position in this list since this is one of the best performing options available out there. To ensure that this CPU can be used for heavy-duty usage, it offers a pretty high base clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz. And the best part about this AMD CPU is that it offers 8 cores and 8 threads for excellent multitasking performance. For further making this processor a powerful option, AMD has also includes 8 MB cache with this processor. Despite having such high-end specifications, it has a TDP of just 125 watts which is fairly decent. Best Features:
Rated for clock speeds of 4.0 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost Features a total of 8 cores and 8 threads Offers 8 MB cache TDP rating of 125 watts Uses the AMD AM3+ CPU socket
Pros:
Excellent performance numbers for multitasking Pretty high clock speeds considering core count Decent TDP rating if used without an overclock
Cons:
Can get a bit hot if overclocked
2. AMD FX-6300 6-Core Processor Black Edition
You can consider the AMD 6000 series of processors if you do not want to spend a premium but still want better performance than an entry-level CPU model made for the AMD AM3+ CPU socket. AMD’s FX 6300 AM3+ CPU is present at the 2nd position in this listicle as it is the best value for money option given here. Since this is a fairly entry-level processor, the given base clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.1 GHz is to be expected. But despite that, this CPU performs quite well thanks to its given 6 core and 6 thread design for decent multitasking usage. Unlike any other budget-friendly option, this one even comes with 8 MB cache which further makes it a powerful CPU. Since this processor has slightly lesser cores, its TDP rating is also given at 95 watts making it easier to cool. And the best part about this AMD CPU is that it offers 8 cores and 8 threads for excellent multitasking performance. For further making this processor a powerful option, AMD has also includes 8 MB cache with this processor. Despite having such high-end specifications, it has a TDP of just 125 watts which is fairly decent. Best Features:
Rated for clock speeds of 3.5 GHz base and 4.1 GHz boost Features a total of 6 cores and 6 threads Offers 8 MB cache TDP rating of 95 watts Uses the AMD AM3+ CPU socket
Pros:
Amazing value for money with an entry-level price tag Quite powerful with given core count and clock speeds Includes a CPU cooler for proper cooling
Cons:
Comes without a box as an open pair of CPU and CPU cooler
3. AMD 3.8 4 Socket AM3
AMD and its 4000 series of processors are known to be highly affordable which can be a great option for those who use their computer for basic computing tasks. This AMD FX 4300 AM3+ CPU is present at the 3rd position in this article because this is the cheapest option given here making it perfect for buyers on a tight budget. Unlike what you would expect from such an affordable option, it comes with a base clock speed of up to 3.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz. In order to keep its price tag low, AMD uses a 4 core and 4 thread design which is only good for basic computing tasks and not for heavy-duty tasks. Similarly, this AM3+ CPU has 4 MB cache which is certainly lower than other higher-end options. One great thing about this CPU is that it is fairly easy to cool thanks to the given TDP rating of 95 watts. Best Features:
Rated for clock speeds of 3.8 GHz base and 4.0 GHz boost Features a total of 4 cores and 4 threads Offers 4 MB cache TDP rating of 95 watts Uses the AMD AM3+ CPU socket
Pros:
Perfect for buyers on a tight budget and entry-level PC builds Fairly powerful for basic and daily PC usage Great clock speed rating for the given price tag
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy-duty computing tasks
4. AMD FX-8150 8-Core Black Edition Socket AM3+
AMD also offers slightly cheaper options under its 8000 series of processors which offer very similar performance while being cheaper by skipping on a few features that not everyone needs. The AMD FX 8150 AM3+ CPU is most probably the best value for money pick under the 8000 series of processors which are great for heavy-duty usage. In comparison to the previous FX 8350, this FX 8150 has a slightly slower base clock speed of up to 3.6 GHz with the same boost clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz. Because you still get the same 8 core and 8 thread configuration, this AMD AM3+ CPU is still perfect for heavy duty usage. Not only that but you also get 8 MB cache in this CPU which is always great to have. Although, despite having lower clock speeds, this processor is still rated for a 125-watt TDP. Best Features:
Rated for clock speeds of 3.6 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost Features a total of 8 cores and 8 threads Offers 8 MB cache TDP rating of 125 watts Uses the AMD AM3+ CPU socket
Pros:
Fairly amazing and powerful for heavy-duty usage Uses an octa-core design with a lower price tag Comes included with a CPU cooler in the box
Cons:
Runs slightly hot considering its clock speeds
5. AMD FX 4350 Unlocked Quad-Core 4.2 Black Edition
While most of the 4000 series CPUs from AMD are quite affordable, it also offers a few higher-end options which offer better performance for gaming and other single-threaded tasks. AMD’s FX 4350 AM3+ CPU is most likely the best option for those who want a gaming CPU but do not want to run heavy multi-threaded programs. To make this a suitable processor for gaming, AMD uses a pretty high base clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.3 GHz. Although, because this processor is not made for multi-threaded workloads, it only uses a 4 core and 4 thread design despite the higher price tag. Thankfully, you do get 8 MB cache with this processor which helps a bit in multitasking. As you would expect from a processor with such high clock speeds, this one has a TDP rating of 125 watts which is slightly on the hotter side. Best Features:
Rated for clock speeds of 4.2 GHz base and 4.3 GHz boost Features a total of 4 cores and 4 threads Offers 8 MB cache TDP rating of 125 watts Uses the AMD AM3+ CPU socket
Pros:
Excellent processor for gaming and single-threaded workloads Pretty high clock speeds for most users High cache capacity for decent multitasking performance
Cons:
Only a 4 core and 4 thread processor
6. AMD FX-9370 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition
AMD also offers highly premium and high-end processor models under its 9000 series of CPUs which can be perfect for workstation PCs and high-performance gaming PCs because of the given specifications. This AMD FX 9370 AM3+ CPU is the most powerful processor given here which is ideal for those who want the possibly best performance for their PC. Starting with its clock speeds, this processor is rated for a base clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.7 GHz which is much higher than others. When paired along with its given 8 core and 8 thread design, this processor is perfect for both gaming and heavy multi-threaded workloads. Similar to other 8 core processors, this one also has 8 MB cache which is always great to have. However, due to the given clock speeds, this processor does run quite hot due to its TDP rating of 220 watts. Best Features:
Rated for clock speeds of 4.4 GHz base and 4.7 GHz boost Features a total of 8 cores and 8 threads Offers 8 MB cache TDP rating of 220 watts Uses the AMD AM3+ CPU socket
Pros:
Superb and high-end clock speeds for excellent performance High core count design for amazing multitasking performance Fairly high cache capacity for most applications
Cons:
Can get quite hot under load without the right CPU cooler
7. OEM AMD FX-8350 125W AM3+ 8 Core 4.0GHz
AMD also offers its 8000 series of processors as OEM editions which are slightly cheaper than the boxed version since you do not get an included CPU cooler which can be great if you are planning to install an aftermarket one. The AMD FX 8350 OEM AM3+ CPU is cheaper than the FX 8350 mentioned above which makes it an even better value for money. Similar to the previous one, this OEM edition of the AMD FX 8350 also has a base clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz along with a boost clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz. Because it is the same CPU, you can also find the same 8 core and 8 thread design which is great for multitasking. And to improve its multitasking performance even further, AMD also includes a total of 8 MB cache with it. You get all of these things with this OEM edition 8000 processor while having a TDP of 125 watts which is quite good considering the given performance. Best Features:
Rated for clock speeds of 4.0 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost Features a total of 8 cores and 8 threads Offers 8 MB cache TDP rating of 125 watts Uses the AMD AM3+ CPU socket
Pros:
Cheaper 8000 series processor with an OEM packaging Amazing clock speeds for both gaming and multitasking Large number of cores along with high cache capacity
Cons:
Does not come with an included CPU cooler
8. AMD FX 4130 Black Edition 3.8/3.9 GHZ Quad-Core Tray CPU
Just like the OEM edition of CPUs, the tray edition CPUs are also quite affordable and much cheaper than the boxed option which makes the 4000 series of processors a great entry-level option for many. AMD’s FX 4130 AM3+ CPU can be another great option for all those who are looking for budget-friendly options for an entry-level PC build. Since this is an affordable 4000 series processor, the given base clock speed of up to 3.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 3.9 GHz is to be expected from this processor. Similar to other 4000 series of processors, this one also has 4 cores and 4 threads which means that this CPU is only ideal for basic computing usage. Moving to its cache capacity, this processor includes 4 MB cache which is to be expected at the given price tag. While its TDP rating of 125 watts is a bit high, that should not be an issue since you will need to get an aftermarket CPU cooler due to the lack of an included one. Best Features:
Rated for clock speeds of 3.8 GHz base and 3.9 GHz boost Features a total of 4 cores and 4 threads Offers 4 MB cache TDP rating of 125 watts Uses the AMD AM3+ CPU socket
Pros:
Great entry-level processor for budget-oriented PC builds Decent clock speeds for the given price tag Fairly powerful for daily basic computing tasks
Cons:
Misses on an included CPU cooler in the box
Buying Guide for the Best AM3+ CPUs
Whether you are on a tight budget or already have an older AM3+ motherboard in your computer, going with an AM3+ CPU can be a great option for you. Despite being slower than the newer AM4 CPUs, these older ones are still great for your everyday computing needs. Thus, we have already stated some of the best AM3+ CPUs earlier in this list. To help you in differentiating between these, all these best AM3+ CPUs also have their significant aspects and factors explained along with them. And those of you who would like to learn even further can also check out this detailed buying guide for the best AM3+ CPUs:
1. CPU Model
One of the first things that you can consider to get an idea of the performance of a given AMD AM3+ CPU is the CPU model that you are getting. By simply comparing the CPU models, you can get a pretty good idea about which CPU will perform better. This is due to the reason that by going with a high-end CPU model like the AMD FX 8350, you can expect much better performance than a lower end CPU model like the AMD FX 4130.
2. Clock Speeds
Even though there is a lot to consider while getting a CPU for your computer, checking its clock speeds should give you a pretty great idea about its performance. The clock speed of your CPU simply tells you about the number of tasks or calculations your CPU can perform each second. Hence, a higher clock speed rating will result in better performance output from your computer processor. In most cases, you will find AMD AM3+ CPUs to have a base clock speed and a boost clock speed rating given along with it. While the base clock speed tells you about the minimum clock speed you can expect at all times, the boost clock speed is the maximum speed your CPU can reach depending on the tasks that you are performing. Coming to the clock speed ratings you can find, entry-level AMD AM3+ CPUs will generally have a base clock of up to 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz. But if you are going with higher-end models, they can even have a base clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.7 GHz.
3. Cores and Threads
While the clock speeds of your computer processor tells you about the calculations and tasks it can perform each second, the core and thread count tells you about the number of programs your processor can handle at a time which determines its multitasking performance. In other words, any AMD AM3+ CPU which offers a higher cores and threads count will be better for heavy multitasking usage. Thus, going with an 8 core and 8 thread processor makes much more sense than a 4 core and 4 thread processor if you wish to run multiple programs at once on your computer.
4. Cache
Another factor which can affect the multitasking performance of your computer’s processor is the cache capacity offered by it. Just like the core and thread count, a higher cache capacity results in better multitasking performance. Talking about the cache capacity options that you can find, most AMD AM3+ CPUs either have 4 MB or 8 MB cache included with them. Out of these two options, the higher 8 MB cache will offer much better performance for all users.
5. TDP
Apart from checking the performance numbers of your CPU, you should also check its TDP rating. This TDP rating tells you about both the power consumption as well as heat production of your processor. When compared with each other, a 220 watt AMD AM3+ CPU will produce more heat and consume more power than a 95 watt AMD AM3+ CPU. You need to check this rating to ensure that your computer’s PSU can handle the power needs of your processor. Similarly, going with a lower TDP rating also means that cooling a given processor will be comparatively much easier.
6. Warranty
When you are going with older computer components like an AMD AM3+ CPU, then making sure that it is reliable enough for long term usage becomes quite important. Regarding the same, you can consider checking the included warranty of your processor. Thankfully, despite being an older generation of processors, AMD still offers a 3 year long warranty with its AMD AM3+ CPUs. However, this warranty is only applicable for boxed CPUs as if you are going with OEM or CPU tray processor options, they may not come with an included warranty.
1. Can I install an AMD AM3+ CPU in the newer AMD AM4 socket motherboards?
Even though AMD is known to offer great compatibility between different generations of CPUs and CPU sockets, the AM3+ and the AM4 CPU sockets are physically different. Because of this, you will have to go with an AMD AM3+ motherboard to pair along with your AM3+ CPU. 2. Is it possible to overclock an AMD AM3+ CPU for even better performance? Despite being from the older generation, the AMD AM3+ CPUs are also fully unlocked just like the newer AMD AM4 CPUs. Because of this, if you have a motherboard that also supports overclocking, then you can overclock it and increase its clock speeds for even better performance. 3. Will I get a CPU cooler along with my AMD AM3+ CPU? If you are getting a boxed AMD AM3+ CPU, then it will come included with a CPU cooler in the box. However, if you are going for a cheaper OEM edition or tray CPU, then you will need to buy an aftermarket CPU cooler for cooling and using your AMD AM3+ CPU.
Conclusion
Apart from the current generation AM4 Ryzen processors, you can also find the older AM3+ CPUs if you are in the market for an AMD processor. These older generation processors are ideal for those who want to go with something budget-friendly or want to upgrade the CPU of their older AMD AM3+ socket motherboard. If you also want to get such a CPU, then you can consider getting one of the best AM3+ CPUs given up above.
If you are going with something highly affordable, then you can consider the AMD FX 4300 since it is the cheapest option given above. Despite the given price tag, you still get a decent base clock speed of up to 3.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz. When combined with its 4 core and 4 thread design, you can expect decent performance for basic computing tasks. But if you want something for heavy workloads on your computer, then the AMD FX 9370 is the best pick for you. Since it offers a base clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.7 GHz, it performs much better than all other options given above. Despite the given clock speeds, it still has an 8 core and 8 thread design for amazing performance. You can also consider the AMD FX 6300 as a great value for money pick since this is a great mid tier processor. While it might not be the highest, the given base clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.1 GHz is still quite amazing for most users. In fact, you also get 6 cores and 6 threads with this processor which is always great to have.
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