Even though the latest CPU socket offered by AMD is the newer AMD AM4 CPU socket, the older AMD AM3+ CPU socket can still be a great pick for entry level picks. Similar to the newer option, you can find a wide range of processors for the AM3+ CPU socket. Hence, we are here with the best AM3+ CPUs which have been chosen as per these factors:
- 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.
While these factors are some of the most important ones, you still need to keep a lot of things in mind. Thus, all the best AM3+ CPUs given down below also have their important features and specifications explained down below. In fact, you can also find a complete Buying Guide and the major FAQs for the best AM3+ CPUs down below to pick the right one by the end of this article.
Best AM3+ CPUs In 2024
| Best AM3+ CPUs | CPU Model | Clock Speeds | Cores and Threads | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD FX-8350 Black Edition Processor | AMD FX 8350 | 4.0 GHz base, 4.2 GHz boost | 8 cores, 8 threads | Check On Amazon |
| AMD FX-6300 Black Edition Processor | AMD FX 6300 | 3.5 GHz base, 4.1 GHz boost | 6 cores, 6 threads | Check On Amazon |
| AMD 3.8 4 Socket AM3 Black Edition Processor | AMD FX 4300 | 3.8 GHz base, 4.0 GHz boost | 4 cores, 4 threads | Check On Amazon |
| AMD FX-8150 Black Edition Processor | AMD FX 8150 | 3.6 GHz base, 4.2 GHz boost | 8 cores, 8 threads | Check On Amazon |
| AMD FX 4350 Black Edition Processor | AMD FX 4350 | 4.2 GHz base, 4.3 GHz boost | 4 cores, 4 threads | Check On Amazon |
| AMD FX-9370 Black Edition Processor | AMD FX 9370 | 4.4 GHz base, 4.7 GHz boost | 8 cores, 8 threads | Check On Amazon |
| OEM AMD FX-8350 Black Edition Processor | AMD FX 8350 | 4.0 GHz base, 4.2 GHz boost | 8 cores, 8 threads | Check On Amazon |
| AMD FX 4130 Black Edition Processor | AMD FX 4130 | 3.8 GHz base, 3.9 GHz boost | 4 cores, 4 threads | Check On Amazon |
Best AM3+ CPUs Reviews
1. AMD FX-8350 FX-Series 8-Core Black Edition
AMD’s 8000 series processors are top-tier choices for heavy-duty tasks, compatible with the AMD AM3+ CPU socket. The FX 8350 AM3+ CPU from AMD leads the pack due to its exceptional performance. With a base clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz, it’s well-suited for demanding tasks.
What sets this CPU apart is its 8 cores and 8 threads, ideal for multitasking. AMD has also included 8 MB cache to enhance its power. Remarkably, despite its high-end specs, it maintains a modest 125 watts TDP.
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
For those seeking quality without breaking the bank, we recommend the AMD FX 6300 AM3+ CPU. It’s an entry-level processor with a base clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.1 GHz. Despite its entry-level status, this CPU performs admirably, thanks to its 6 cores and 6 threads, ideal for multitasking. It even boasts an 8 MB cache, making it more powerful than other budget options. With a TDP rating of 95 watts, it’s also easier to keep cool.
What’s more, this AMD CPU offers 8 cores and 8 threads, further enhancing its multitasking capabilities. AMD has included an 8 MB cache with this processor, elevating its performance. Despite its high-end specs, it maintains a reasonable TDP of just 125 watts.
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
he AMD FX 4300 AM3+ CPU, part of the 4000 series, is known for being affordable and great for everyday computer use. It runs at a base speed of up to 3.8 GHz and can boost up to 4.0 GHz, all while keeping costs down.
This CPU has 4 cores and 4 threads, making it good for regular tasks, though it might struggle with heavy-duty work. It has a 4 MB cache and uses 95 watts of power, striking a balance between performance and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for people who want a good mix of affordability and essential features.
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 has some cheaper options in its 8000 series processors. These offer similar performance but skip a few features that aren’t essential for everyone. The FX 8150 AM3+ CPU is likely the best value choice in the 8000 series, especially for heavy-duty tasks. Compared to the FX 8350, it has a slightly slower base clock speed, up to 3.6 GHz, but the same boost clock speed, up to 4.2 GHz.
It still has 8 cores and 8 threads, making it great for heavy use. Plus, it comes with 8 MB cache, which is always helpful. Despite its 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
AMD has released another top product in the 4000 series CPUs. The FX 4350 AM3+ CPU is a good choice for gamers who don’t need to run heavy multi-threaded programs. It has a high base clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.3 GHz, making it suitable for gaming.
However, because it’s not designed for multi-threaded tasks, it only has a 4-core and 4-thread design despite its higher price tag. It does come with 8 MB cache, which helps with multitasking to some extent. This processor has a TDP rating of 125 watts, which means it runs a bit hotter than some others.
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
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, consider opting for a premium processor like one from the 9000 series. Among the options discussed in this blog post, the FX 9370 AM3+ CPU stands out as the most powerful. Its base clock speed can reach up to 4.4 GHz, with a boost clock speed of up to 4.7 GHz, surpassing others in performance.
With 8 cores and 8 threads, this processor is ideal for gaming and demanding multi-threaded tasks. Like other 8-core processors, it boasts 8 MB cache, which enhances performance. However, it’s worth noting that due to its high clock speeds, this processor tends to run hot, with a 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
The FX 8350 OEM AM3+ CPU from AMD is another affordable option apart from the previously mentioned 8150 AM3+ CPU. Despite being cheaper, it offers good value for money. Like its counterpart, this OEM version also runs at a base clock speed of up to 4.0 GHz, with a boost clock speed of up to 4.2 GHz.
It shares the same 8-core, 8-thread design, making it excellent for multitasking. AMD has also included 8 MB of cache to enhance multitasking performance. Despite its performance, this 8000 series processor has a TDP of 125 watts, which is quite efficient.
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 standard CPUs, the tray edition CPUs are also quite affordable and much cheaper than the boxed option. One recommendation from the team here at ElectronicsHub is the FX 4130 AM3+ CPU. It’s a budget-friendly 4000 series processor with a base clock speed of up to 3.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 3.9 GHz.
Like other 4000 series processors, this one also has 4 cores and 4 threads, making it suitable for basic computing tasks. It comes with a 4 MB cache, which is typical for its price range. While its TDP rating of 125 watts is relatively high, it shouldn’t be an issue since you’ll need to purchase an aftermarket CPU cooler separately, as one isn’t included.
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.
FAQs for the Best AM3+ CPUs
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
That’s it for our roundup of the top AM3+ CPUs in 2024! We hope this guide helped you narrow down your options. Check out our top three picks below for the best performance, value, and budget-friendly choices.
- Cheapest option: AMD FX 4300 (4 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.8 GHz base clock) – good for basic tasks
- Best for heavy workloads: AMD FX 9370 (8 cores, 8 threads, up to 4.4 GHz base clock) – most powerful
- Great value: AMD FX 6300 (6 cores, 6 threads, up to 3.5 GHz base clock) – mid-tier performance
