As computer hardware reviewers, we are not very interested in the problems that hardware manufacturers face. Many will agree that last year turned out to be terrible for AMD's processor design division, starting with the power-hungry Bulldozer CPUs, which slowly fell in price over twelve months in response to the introduction of Intel processors Core third generation. New samples recently arrived at our laboratory in Southern California. Talk about shortcomings in management, layoffs and the difficult past of AMD should not particularly worry end consumers. So let's get down to business.
Sometimes you can predict the ending of an article. If AMD had sent us the FX-8170 running 200MHz faster than its predecessor, we'd expect the processor to show the same weaknesses in light-threaded applications, likely outperforming the Core i5-2500K in more intensive tasks, but compared to 77W chips its energy consumption will be simply terrible.
But instead we got a processor AMD FX-8350, which, by analogy with APU Trinity, introduced less than a month ago, is based on the Piledriver architecture. Experience tells us that in terms of performance per core and per clock, Piledriver can outperform the Bulldozer design by 15%. It is also worth considering that AMD FX-8350 will run at least 400 MHz faster than FX-8150. By the way, the architecture provided a noticeably smaller increase in speed for the line of processors Intel Core. There's a good chance that today's comparison will be much more interesting than a complete rip-off FX-8150 in last year's review.
Meet the FX family on Piledriver architecture
True to its tradition since Bulldozer, AMD sent the press the most fast models a new line, which will include eight-, six- and quad-core models. Although they are all built on the Piledriver architecture, the chips themselves are called Vishera, and will continue to be sold under the FX brand.
AMD Vishera crystal
The Vishera processor occupies 315 square millimeters and consists of 1.2 billion transistors. Exactly the same indicators characterize the previous generation Zambezi based on the AMD Bulldozer architecture.
| Ruler AMD processors FX 2012 | |||||||
| Number of cores/threads | Base frequency, GHz | Max, Frequency in Turbo mode, GHz | Northbridge frequency, MHz | TDP, W | Price, $ | OPN | |
| FX-8350 | 8/8 | 4 | 4,2 | 2200 | 125 | 195 | FD8350FRW8KHK |
| FX-8320 | 8/8 | 3,5 | 4 | 2200 | 125 | 169 | FD8320FRW8KHK |
| FX-6300 | 6/6 | 3,5 | 4,1 | 2000 | 95 | 132 | FD6300WMW6KHK |
| FX-4300 | 4/4 | 3,8 | 4 | 2000 | 95 | 122 | FD4300WMW4MHK |
Two of the four processors use eight processing cores, or four Piledrivers, as AMD calls them. Base frequency of the flagship model AMD FX-8350 is 4 GHz. In low-threaded applications, Turbo Core technology can increase this figure to 4.2 GHz, although most of the increase in chip speed will be associated with the base frequency. How much does Turbo Core speed up? AMD FX-8350? Not much. In the single-threaded iTunes benchmark, the result improved by only three seconds.
In the FX-8320, the base frequency is reduced to 3.5 GHz, but within the allotted thermal package Turbo Core increases this to 4 GHz (the 500 MHz boost makes more of a difference on the FX-8320). Both eight-core models are equipped with 8 MB of L2 cache (divided into 2 MB for each module) and 8 MB of L3 cache (common for all four chip modules). Recommended price for AMD FX-8350 is $195, and the FX-8320 is $169.
The FX-6300 already has three active modules (six cores), and the price has dropped to $132. The 3.5 GHz frequency gives the architecture an advantage in multi-threaded tasks, and Turbo Core tries to compensate for the disadvantages in single-threaded applications by increasing the frequency to 4.1 GHz. Like four-module chips, the FX-6300 uses 2 MB of L2 cache per module (6 MB total) and a shared 8 MB L3 cache. Fewer active resources and more low frequency Northbridge (2 GHz) allows the FX-6300 to be within a thermal package of 95 W, which is noticeably different from the 125 W of the older FX-83x0 processors.
The TDP of the dual-module FX-4300 processor also does not exceed 95 W. The base frequency of 3.8 GHz rises to 4 GHz in low-threaded applications, and the northbridge operates at 2 GHz like the FX-6300. However, the L3 cache capacity is reduced to 4 MB, and the price is only $10 lower than the three-module chip, which will encourage many buyers to spend the extra $10.
The AMD architecture has a particular disadvantage bandwidth memory is not felt, however, the dual-channel DDR3 controller officially supports a data transfer rate of 1866 MT/s. To reduce the overall cost of the platform, we will use DDR3-1600 modules with low latency, especially since the test results (except Sandra 2013 Beta) show that spending more money on more fast memory You won't get any speed increase.
The entire FX line has an unlocked multiplier, which makes overclocking much easier. Does Vishera have enough overclocking potential? What about 5.125 GHz with closed loop liquid cooling support?
Overclocking
Although AMD processors haven't been crowned the fastest processors in years, the company is trying to keep the attention of enthusiasts by providing features that matter to them. Software, allowing you to change configuration settings in Windows in real time, unlocked multipliers and platforms with a large number slots PCI Express- these are just some of the key features, which AMD offers to people who know how to use them to increase the performance of their systems.
The same overclockers who were disappointed in the scalability of FX Zambezi processors with conventional system cooling, this time they will be very surprised, even though we are considering a very similar architecture on the same 32-nanometer core.
With CPU and northbridge voltages of 1.375 V and 1.175 V, respectively, we were able to achieve stable operation AMD FX-8350 at 4.8 GHz at full load. In the screenshot above, a single-threaded test is running to “spin up” the chip, but the highlighted maximum temperature corresponds to the peak load of the entire test package.
AMD FX-8350 could work even faster, but the key factor here is setting the voltage so that the temperature does not exceed 70 degrees Celsius. At this point, the temperature sensor forces the cores to lower their frequency (the image above proves this), preventing the chip from overheating and negatively impacting performance. Without multi-threaded loads, we even managed to run tests at 5.125 GHz (for this we need to set the voltage to 1.4375 V for the CPU and 1.2 V for the northbridge).
It is obvious that in the majority user systems The bottleneck will be cooling. The AMD reference heatsink and fan are, to put it mildly, not enough, and a powerful third-party solution will increase the cost of the platform with the FX processor. But for testing purposes only, we used the closed-loop liquid cooling system that AMD offered with its FX processors last year. It will cost you about $70. In that case, you can consider $300 as an alternative. Fortunately, we have test results.
Overclocking to 4.8 GHz is enough to AMD FX-8350 overtook in a multi-threaded environment like 3ds Max 2012, but it did not help the AMD Piledriver architecture outperform in a single-threaded environment iTunes app. Of course, if you are willing to spend an extra $30 on and even more on a third-party cooler, then its base frequency can be relatively easily increased from 3.5 GHz to 4.5 GHz and matched with AMD FX overclocking.
Compatibility
Overclocking the FX-8350 is a fairly simple operation and allows you to significantly increase operating speed personal computer. The procedure for its implementation will be described in stages and in detail later as part of this review. In addition to this, general recommendations regarding PC configuration will be given and technical specifications microprocessor.
The list of this CPU includes the following components:
The first important condition for overclocking a PC is its high-quality equipment. Therefore, it is better not to overclock the CPU with a standard heat sink system. With an advanced air cooler, this chip model is capable of delivering a guaranteed 4.5-4.7 GHz. If you use liquid cooling, you can count on conquering the 5.0-5.2 GHz bar. That is, a twenty percent increase in work speed. Also, the power supply must have a significant power reserve, the minimum value of which should be 800 W. In addition to this, the graphics accelerator must be equipped with an improved cooling system and high-quality semiconductor elements. The RAM, in turn, should allow increasing the clock frequency and be equipped with radiators for cooling.
The motherboard must be at least ATX format. If you use devices for these purposes smaller size, then overheating problems may occur. Therefore, it is better not to overclock the FX-8350, for example. Experience shows that the computer overheats in this case and may even break down. This board has MicroATX format and is designed for creating ultra-compact PCs. But overclocking the FX-8350 on the Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P can and should be done. She has everything she needs to do this. As a result, it can be noted that the choice of improved motherboard- this is the key to high-quality overclocking.
Before overclocking the FX-8350 is further discussed in detail and step by step, we present its technical specifications. This model The CPU is based on an architecture codenamed Vishera and is designed to fit into the now obsolete AM3+ processor socket. Nominally, this chip includes eight program code processing units. But in fact, this modification of the microprocessor includes eight integer modules and four floating-point processing units. Therefore, in the first case, this CPU shows high operating speed and can even outperform the i5 from Intel of the 2nd, 3rd or even 4th generation. And in the second, its performance decreases significantly, and it can already compete on equal terms with the Core i3.
The base frequency of the chip is 4 GHz. But when you turn on Turbobust mode, it can increase to 4.4 GHz. That is, this is automatic overclocking of the microprocessor. Also of this device multiplier unlocked. Therefore, its performance can be increased by simply increasing the value of the latter.
The chip is equipped with three cache levels. The first of them allows you to place 384 KB of data and program code, and the second and third - 8 MB each.
The semiconductor base of the CPU is produced using 32 nm technology. This is an outdated technical process. Therefore the chip has high level power consumption, which corresponds to 125 W. The supply voltage range is 0.9 - 1.3 V. The CPU die area is 319 mm 2, and the number of transistors is 1200 million.
The best way to overclock the FX-8350 is to use a combination of the following: software, How AMD Overdrive and AIDA64. This software is freely available on the Internet. It must first be downloaded and installed on the computer on which you plan to perform this operation.
The next stage is the parallel launch of these programs. Then in AIDA64 go to the “Computer” menu item and open the “Sensors” subsection. First of all, we pay attention to the processor temperature. It should not exceed 80 - 85 o C.
Next, go to the Overdrive utility from AMD. In this program, open the menu item Clock/Voltage. Then check the Select All Core checkbox. After that, use the slider to change the value of the multiplier-multiplier. Its basic value is 20. When using an air cooling system, it can be increased to 22-23. This will allow you to achieve frequency values of 4400 - 4600 MHz. If the computer system works stably, then you can in some cases set to 23.5. This will allow you to get 4.7 GHz. In the case of an air system, it is permissible to set the multiplier to 24.5 - 25. That is, you can count on 4900 - 5000 MHz. We save the changes by clicking the Apply soft button.
Now you need to go to the AIDA64 program. We check the sensor readings. If the temperature is within acceptable limits, then we exit this utility.
After overclocking the AMD FX-8350 processor has been completed, you need to check the stability of the PC. To do this, download programs such as PC Mark, for example, and CrystalMark from the Internet. Using each of them, we check the stability of the computer 2-3 times. If the PC is working correctly, then we leave everything unchanged. Otherwise, you need to lower the clock frequency and recheck the computer for stable operation. You also need to periodically monitor the temperature of the chip.
The increase in clock frequency of this chip ranges from 15 to 20 percent. But an even more important factor that affects the increase in performance is software optimization. For example, if you conduct an archiving test in WinRAR or WinZip, you can get a forty percent increase in speed. But in those programs that are poorly optimized for multi-threaded mode, the performance increase will be from 5 to 7 percent. The last group mainly includes toys.
Overclocking the FX-8350 processor, as previously noted, allows you to increase PC performance without any changes in the computer's hardware configuration. With its help you can get the level of performance computing system, comparable to Core i5 2nd or 3rd generation. Therefore, this operation is still relevant.
Moreover, there are all the prerequisites for its implementation. The CPU has both the multiplier and operating frequency unlocked system bus. This allows you to flexibly increase the speed of your PC. At the same time, a more convenient and practical way to increase performance is to increment the multiplier. But it is wrong to change the frequency of the system bus for the reason that the functioning of the graphics controller is tied to it and random access memory. Therefore, this method of overclocking can affect the performance of the computer.
Translation official instructions from ASUS ROG.
As you know, overclocking your processor instance may differ from the results of this article. The final result may also be affected by cooling and the motherboard (if you are using a non-specified board).
If you have additional questions, you can ask them on the official forum (English) or in the official community on the social network VKontakte.
Well, let's get started!
Installing the processor into the socket is quite simple and you cannot use force, otherwise you can damage the legs and, accordingly, kill it:
-raise the clamp
-install the processor, aligning the golden triangle with the triangular mark on the socket
- lower the clamp
Apply thermal paste in a thin layer. It's very convenient to use something like credit card, if the kit did not include a special spatula. 
Install cooling. Remember that overclocking the FX-8350 requires very good cooling! In our instructions we use the Corsair H80i, but analogues are also quite suitable. It is best to use two-section SVO.
Installing RAM. 
A little about powering the system.
As you may have already noticed, ASUS board ROG Crosshair V Formula-Z is equipped with an additional 4-pin processor power connector. Connecting both cables (8-pin and 4-pin) can improve stability during overclocking. But if your power supply only has one 8-pin cable, then don’t worry - connecting a second one is not necessary. 
Before we move directly to overclocking, download latest version BIOS for your board and extract it to a flash drive so you can update the board via EZ Flash. 
You also need to download (or take it on disk from the kit) and install the ASUS AI Suite II utility, since not all utilities can correctly monitor the temperatures of the FX-8350. We will use AI Suite II to monitor temperatures and voltages, CPU-z to monitor CPU frequency, and Prime95 to check system stability.
Make sure everything is working as normal.
Go to the BIOS and press the F5 key to apply the optimal settings.
Save the settings using the F10 key and reboot into Windows.
Open CPU-Z and AI Suite II.
Launch Prime95 and run the Small FFT test. The processor frequency should be approximately 4 GHz.
In our case, the processor temperature reached 49 degrees. The room temperature was 25 degrees. 
If everything is in order, then let's move directly to overclocking!
Once again, we note that there can be quite a big difference between processors, but most should overclock to 4.8 GHz with good cooling. If your system is unstable, then try reducing the multiplier by one step at the same voltage and check it again.
We will use advanced UEFI mode BIOS (ROG line boards initially launch this mode).
Go to the Extreme Tweaker tab.
Let's set the CPU Ratio parameter to 24. This way we should get 4.8 GHz (you can see the Target CPU Speed value a little higher). 
Set the memory operating mode as you wish (according to your memory specifications). In our case - 1600 MHz. 
In the same tab below we look for CPU & NB Voltage and set it to Manual mode.
Set the CPU Manual Voltage to 1.5 V. Don’t pay attention to the red backlight of the numbers, everything is fine. 
We go up the menu a little higher and go to DIGI+ Power Control.
Let's set CPU Load Line Calibration to Ultra High. 
Now we need the Advanced tab. In it we go to the CPU Configuration menu. 
You need to set the Cool ‘n’ Quiet parameter to Always Disabled and C1E to Disabled. 
You can also turn off (Disabled) Core C6 State.
You can save the settings profile (so as not to set everything again each time) in the Tool tab.
Now press the F10 key to save the settings and reboot.
Stress test
I'll repeat everything like last time. We launch AI Suite II, CPU-z and then Prime95 in Small FFT mode.
In our case, the temperature under load increased to 76 degrees. This is quite a lot, but still within the TJMax range. 
Is the system stable? Then return to the BIOS and try to reduce the voltage to 1.49 V or lower. You can try changing the Load line Calibration value to High, but most likely the system will not work stably. Our processor instance was able to operate at a frequency of 4.8 GHz at a voltage of 1.49 V. 
If you have additional questions, you can ask them
Yes, this is not a joke and is announced new model on a well-worn AMD chipset 990FX with SB950 south bridge.
The solution looks a little strange. For example, the northbridge could be renamed 1000FX or 1100FX and no one would even notice the catch. But with the south bridge everything is not so rosy. It's still a little outdated. Just a little because there is no support USB interface 3.0. Therefore, it was necessary to add four ports of this standard plus a couple more SATA 3 and call it all SB1050. But this did not happen and a platform for enthusiasts based on the old logic set is announced.
Is he really that bad? Probably not, because there is support for basic functions and interfaces. Yes, PCI-e is of the second generation, but there is support for both SLI and CrossFire modes. In addition, due to the age of the chipset, you can already expect that prices for products based on it will be reduced. And the owners motherboards at its base they can sleep peacefully and continue to stay on top, since it remains a cutting-edge solution.
And if USB support 3.0 can be added with third-party controllers, but with PCI-e 3.0 things are worse. There is one more point - this is the integrated video core. Historically, FX series processors have to compete with Intel platform s1155. On it, most processors come with an integrated video adapter. You can argue for a long time about the fact that it is not needed, but it is given for free. It allows you not only to watch movies and play casual games, but sometimes can help you with your work. Therefore, given all these aspects, AMD needs to take its successor more seriously. Perhaps because of this we had to wait a little longer with the announcement.
