
Introduction
AMD’s AM3+ CPU offers a wide selection of processors from the FX-6300 to the FX-9590, but what are the best AM3+ CPUs that you should choose from? In the following article, we will take a look at five of the very best processors that have been released for use with an AM3+ motherboard. We will also take a look at the most common specifications and features that they share, such as clock speed, number of cores, and threads. We will then compare the prices of AM3+ processors to find out which might be the best value for you.
AM3+ is backward compatible with AM3 motherboards through the use of a simple upgrade kit. AMD recently announced that AM3+ CPUs and motherboards would be discontinued in 2016. There will be no further development of AM3+. AM3+ motherboards will continue to be produced for several more years.
AMD’s FX CPUs are based on 32nm SOI HKMG process technology. They use the AM3+ socket type which allows for the integration of both DDR2 and DDR3 memory.
AMD’s AM3+ CPUs are manufactured using 32nm SOI HKMG process technology. They use the AM3+ socket type which allows for the integration of both DDR2 and DDR3 memory.
“AM3+ motherboards are designed specifically for the AMD FX-series processors, which have exhibited widespread success in both gaming and productivity applications.” – Source: Crucial.
Things need to consider when choosing an AM3+ CPU
The number of cores & threads:
The number of cores & threads is the number of processors within a CPU. A single core can only process one instruction at a time so, to carry out multiple instructions, CPUs have multiple cores per processor. Every core can act as its processor which allows modern CPUs to run multiple programs at once. Cores are usually used in conjunction with threads for the CPU to execute multiple instructions simultaneously.
Size:
The physical size of a CPU varies between brands and models. CPUs are usually classified as either tall, short, or narrow. Taller CPUs have a bigger footprint which means that they will take up more space on the motherboard. They also require a larger CPU cooler to fit underneath them when in use.
Overclocking:
Overclocking is the process of increasing a CPU operating frequency beyond its original specifications. This can be done either by modifying parameters such as voltages and clock speeds manually or through the use of an automated system such as AMD’s Overdrive software.
Clock speed:
Clock speed is the number of times per second that a processor can complete a calculation. In layman’s terms, it is how many instructions a CPU can perform every second. Higher clock speeds mean that a CPU can complete more calculations per second which usually means that it will be more power-hungry. This also usually means that it will be faster at completing specific tasks.
Cost:
The price for AM3+ CPUs varies depending on the brand and model. It is important to remember that more expensive CPUs are not necessarily better than less expensive ones. Paying more for a CPU may simply mean that the manufacturer has sold it at a higher price point as they believe there is more demand for it.
Thermal Design Power:
TDP is a CPU’s maximum thermal power or heat output. It is measured in watts and tells you how much energy your PC will consume under load. CPUs with high TDPs will generate more heat so will require a bigger heatsink and fan to run correctly.
Best AM3+ CPUs:
The Best AM3+ CPU You Can Purchase Today
AMD FX-8350

Best AM3+ CPU
Specifications
Architecture: Bulldozar – Socket: AM3+ – Cores/Threads: 8/8 – Base Frequency: 4.0 GHz – Top Boost Frequency: 4.2 GHz – TDP: 125 W
AMD FX-8350 Black Edition is the best AM3+ CPU on the market. It is an 8 core processor with a base frequency of 4 GHz and a top boost frequency of 4.2 GHz. It consumes 125W of power and has an unlocked multiplier so can be overclocked past its maximum boost frequency for improved performance.
It is a high-end CPU that performs extremely well in productivity and multi-threaded applications. It is pretty much on par with similarly priced Intel CPUs when it comes to gaming but performs a lot better when working with CPU-intensive tasks.
AMD FX-8350 Black Edition is both reliable and very good value for money. If you are looking for a high-performance CPU that won’t break the bank then this is one you should consider.
- Supports virtualization technology
- Comes with an AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
- High performance at low-temperature
- No integrated graphics
- Higher TDP than similar CPUs
AMD FX-8300

Best Flagship AM3+ CPU
Specifications
Architecture: Vishera – Socket: AM3+ – Cores/Threads: 8/8 – Base Frequency: 3.3 GHz – Top Boost Frequency: 4.2 GHz – TDP: 95 W
The AMD FX-8300 Black Edition is a great choice for a budget CPU. It increases the base clock speed from 3.5 to 3.8 GHz and can boost up to 4 GHz when required which makes it faster than the previous generation AMD FX-8150 at stock speeds. As with all high-performance CPUs, it features an unlocked multiplier so overclocking is possible if you wish to push its performance even further.
The AMD FX-8300 Black Edition has 8 cores and 8 threads which makes it even faster for multi-threaded applications than its predecessor. Its TDP of 125W is a little higher than other CPUs on this list but it is still very efficient as its base frequency is also higher.
If you’re looking for a high-performance CPU that won’t break the bank then this is one you should consider. The included heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool without requiring too much noise or power consumption. This means you can play games and use productivity applications worry-free.
For its price, the AMD FX-8300 Black Edition offers an excellent value for money. It is perfect if you are looking to do productivity work or play games at a high level of detail without wanting to commit too much cash in one go.
- Octa-Core processor
- Unlocked for overclocking
- 28 3DMark Score per watt
- BSOD error sometimes
- No bundled CPU cooler
AMD FX-4300

Best Overall AM3+ CPU
Specifications
Architecture: Vishera – Socket: AM3+ – Cores/Threads: 4/4 – Base Frequency: 3.8 GHz – Top Boost Frequency: 4.0 GHz – TDP: 95 W
The AMD FX-4300 Black Edition is a mid-range CPU that offers high-performance processing at an affordable price. It has four cores with a base frequency of3.8 GHz and can boost up to 4 GHz when required for better performance in multi-threaded applications.
Its TDP of 95W is relatively low compared to other CPUs on this list so it consumes less power than similarly priced CPUs which makes it great if you are looking for something with long-term stability as well as overall value for money.
It is a great CPU for both gaming and productivity, though it does have relatively low performance in games compared to other CPUs on this list. This is to be expected as it is a mid-range CPU and has less number of cores than other processors on this list. It performed well in benchmarks and is a great choice for entry-level gamers looking to play games in medium detail settings without spending too much cash.
The AMD FX-4300 Black Edition is a great pick if you are looking to build a budget gaming system on a tight budget. It can easily handle most games and productivity applications without breaking the bank.
It works really well with productivity applications, can handle most games at 1080p and is generally a great CPU for its price. The included heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool without requiring too much noise or power consumption. This means you can play games and use productivity applications worry-free.
- Dual memory channel
- DDR3-1866 memory support
- Premium speed for the base clock
- No AMD PRO Security
- No support for high-end technologies
AMD FX-4350

Best Budget AM3+ CPU
Specifications
Architecture: Vishera – Socket: AM3+ – Cores/Threads: 4/4 – Base Frequency: 4.2 GHz – Top Boost Frequency: 4.3 GHz – TDP: 125 W
The AMD FX-4350 Black Edition is the budget CPU on this list. It is an octa-core processor with a base frequency of 4 GHz. Its TDP of 125W is relatively high compared to the other processors on this list but still very efficient as its base frequency is also higher.
If you’re looking for a powerful CPU that won’t break the bank then the AMD FX-4350 Black Edition offers an excellent value for money, especially if you are building a budget gaming system. The important thing to note is that it isn’t very upgradeable and might not be the best choice if you want to upgrade to a more powerful CPU further down the line.
The AMD FX-4350 Black Edition is a great pick if you are looking to build a budget gaming system on a tight budget. It can easily handle most games and productivity applications without breaking the bank.
It works really well with productivity applications, can handle most games at 1080p and is generally a great CPU for its price. The included heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool without requiring too much noise or power consumption. This means you can play games and use productivity applications worry-free.
- NRIP save support
- Higher memory bandwidth
- Debugging extensions included
- No HMP usage
- No big. LITTLE technology
AMD FX-8150

Best Performance AM3+ CPU
Specifications
Architecture: Bulldozer Microarchitecture – Socket: AM3+ – Cores/Threads: 8/8 – Base Frequency: 3.6 GHz – Top Boost Frequency: 4.2 GHz – TDP: 125 W
AMD FX 8150 Black Edition is the highest-performing CPU on this list. It is an octa-core processor with a base frequency of 3.6 GHz that can boost up to 4 GHz. Its TDP of 95W is relatively low compared to other CPUs on this list so it consumes less power than similarly priced CPUs.
Its eight cores can handle pretty much anything you throw at them with ease and its upgraded architecture allows the FX 8150 Black Edition to perform 10% better than last generation processors. The processor’s frequency can be boosted up to 4 GHz if you’re on a liquid cooling system and its high-quality heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool.
It is the best choice if you are looking for a high-performing CPU on a tight budget. It can easily handle most games and productivity applications without breaking the bank. It works well with productivity applications, can handle most games at 1080p, and is generally a great CPU for its price. The included heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool without requiring too much noise or power consumption. This means you can play games and use productivity applications worry-free.
If you’re looking for an upgradeable CPU that is capable of handling any tasks then the AMD FX 8150 Black Edition is a perfect choice.
Its upgradability means it will last you longer than other CPUs. This makes it great for productivity applications, especially when compared to similarly priced CPUs on this list.
- Supports NVIDIA SLI
- Supports 4GHzplus speed
- AMD Turbo Core Technology
- Static single-core performance
- No Machine Learning technology
AMD FX-4130

Best Mid-Range AM3+ CPU
Specifications
Architecture: Vishera – Socket: AM3+ – Cores/Threads: 4/4 – Base Frequency: 3.8 GHz – Top Boost Frequency: 3.9 GHz – TDP: 125 W
AMD Fx 4130 Black Edition is the best CPU on this list if you are looking for the utmost performance at the lowest possible price. It is a quad-core processor with a base frequency of 3.8 GHz that can boost up to 4 GHz.
Its TDP of 95W is relatively low compared to other CPUs on this list so it consumes less power than similarly priced CPUs. Its frequency can be boosted up to 4 GHz if you’re on a liquid cooling system and its high-quality heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool.
It is the best choice if you are looking for the utmost performance at the lowest possible price. It can easily handle most games and productivity applications without breaking the bank. It works well with productivity applications, can handle most games at 1080p, and is generally a great CPU for its price. The included heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool without requiring too much noise or power consumption. This means you can play games and use productivity applications worry-free.
It is also upgradable so it will last you longer than other CPUs. This makes it great for productivity applications, especially when compared to similarly priced CPUs on this list.
- Two DIMMs per channel
- AES technologies support
- Fast multi-threaded performance
- Lower L3 cache
- No ECC memory support
AMD FX-9370

Best Choice AM3+ CPU
Specifications
Architecture: Vishera – Socket: AM3+ – Cores/Threads: 8/8 – Base Frequency: 4.4 GHz – Top Boost Frequency: 4.7 GHz – TDP: 220 W
AMD FX-9370 Black Edition is the best high-end CPU on this list. It has eight cores that handle pretty much anything you throw at them with ease and its upgraded architecture allows the FX 8170 Black Edition to perform 10% better than last generation processors.
Its TDP of 220 W is relatively high compared to other CPUs on this list so it consumes more power than similarly priced CPUs. The processor’s frequency can be boosted up to 4 GHz if you’re on a liquid cooling system and its high-quality heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool.
It is the best choice if you are looking for a high-performing CPU that you can use for gaming or productivity applications. It can easily handle most games and productivity applications without breaking the bank. It works well with productivity applications, can handle most games at 1080p, and is generally a great CPU for its price. The included heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool without requiring too much noise or power consumption. This means you can play games and use productivity applications worry-free.
AMD FX-9370 Black Edition is a high-end CPU but it is also upgradable so it will last you longer than other CPUs. This makes it great for productivity applications, especially when compared to similarly priced CPUs on this list.
- Higher L3 Cache memory
- MMX technology support
- A cool and smooth performer
- No Blockchain Technology
- Low Multi-thread PassMark results
AMD FX-6300

Best Superb AM3+ CPU
Specifications
Architecture: Vishera – Socket: AM3+ – Cores/Threads: 6/6 – Base Frequency: 3.5 GHz – Top Boost Frequency: 3.8 GHz – TDP: 95 W
AMD FX-6300 Black Edition is the best mid-range CPU on this list. It is a six-core processor with a base frequency of 3.5 GHz that can boost up to 3.8 GHz. Its TDP of 95 W is relatively low compared to other CPUs on this list so it consumes less power than similarly priced CPUs.
Its frequency can be boosted up to 3.8 GHz if you’re on a liquid cooling system and its high-quality heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool.
AMD FX-6300 Black Edition is a mid-range CPU but it can also be overclocked which makes it outperform similarly priced CPUs on this list. Its Vishera architecture allows it to handle multiple cores efficiently and provides the best possible performance for its price range.
Its TDP of 95 W is relatively low compared to other CPUs on this list so it consumes less power than similarly priced CPUs. Its frequency can be boosted up to 4 GHz if you’re on a liquid cooling system and its high-quality heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool.
It is the best choice if you are looking for a mid-range CPU that can handle games and productivity applications with ease. It works several wellsome with productivity applications, can handle most games at 1080p, and is generally a great CPU for its price.
- FMA4 instruction set
- Supports AVX technology
- Adequate Bus Transfer Rate
- No PCIe 4.0 compatible
- Need to unlock for overclocking
Conclusion for AM3+ CPU
AMD FX-9370 Black Edition is the best high-end CPU on this list. It has eight cores that handle pretty much anything you throw at them with ease and its upgraded architecture allows the FX 8170 Black Edition to perform 10% better than last generation processors.
Its TDP of 220 W is relatively high compared to other CPUs on this list so it consumes more power than similarly priced CPUs. The processor’s frequency can be boosted up to 4 GHz if you’re on a liquid cooling system and its high-quality heatsink ensures that your CPU stays cool.
AMD FX-8350 Black Edition is not only upgradable but it will last you longer than similarly priced CPUs on this list. It has eight cores that handle pretty much anything you throw at them with ease and its upgraded architecture allows the FX 8170 Black Edition to perform 10% better than last generation processors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the greatest AM3+ CPU?
For a socket like AM3+, a fast CPU is required to improve your system. According to our suggested list, we consider the AMD FX-8350 Black Edition a speedy processor. The chip has an eight-core processor with a maximum boosted frequency of up to 4.2 GHz. This CPU comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler, which will help your computer keep cool. In addition, this CPU can run many complicated and popular games without any lag or restrictions.
What CPU chips are compatible with AM3+?
The socket AM3+ is designed specifically for AMD Bulldozer microarchitecture and fits the corresponding socket. AMD FX series chips are AM3+ compatible. The AMD FX-9370 Black Edition is one of the examples of such CPUs. Various enhanced features, including Advanced AMD balanced cache, developed HyperTransport Technology, and Input-Output memory management, etc., have been included in the product. With these characteristics, the CPU performs exceptionally well and is one of the most recommended products from the AMD FX series.
Is Ryzen compatible with AM3+?
No. According to AMD, the Ryzen 7 1700 and 1800X are compatible with AM3+ motherboards, but not practically any other components or peripherals. They are also incompatible with most other parts and accessories that operate on the corresponding socket. However, instead of just supporting AM3+, AMD FX-6300 Black Edition offers this functionality. The product also has a number of interesting features that may significantly improve one’s computing experience.