AMD FX 8370 and 8370E processor review

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The Architecture - Turbo Core - DDR3 1866 - Scorpius - AM3+

 

Turbo Core 3.0

A feature that started at AMD's Phenom II Hexacore processors is of course AMD Turbo Core. Bulldozer, Llano & Trinity got it, and now Vishera Piledriver has  AMD Turbo Core enabled as well and that means that the processor can throttle the clock frequency of the CPU cores independently above the base clock frequency for a short period of time. We are now at revision 3.0 of this implementation. The APU constantly measures factors like threaded workload, power limitations, voltages and heat levels for both the CPU and GPU. Based on algorithms, the clock frequency of the CPU cores will change. If you are using Photoshop and apply a filter, then for a short burst the Turbo Core mode will kick in and accelerate the CPU cores' clock frequency a little higher. Should you use the GPU in Photoshop (creates more load/heat) then that Turbo mode forfeits and makes sure the processor cores remain at their reference clock frequency.

 

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The 8370E processor for example has a low base clock of 3300 MHz but it can Turbo towards 4300 MHz. Revision 3.0 of the Turbo has been implemented to be as efficient as can be.

Dual channel system memory

FX processors support a DDR3 clock frequency of 1866 MHz, this will help out with memory bandwidth. That doesn't mean you have to throw away your slower DDR3 memory, slower memory is obviously supported. We actually expect the most of you guys to use DDR3 1600, which is absolutely a sweetspot price/performance wise in 2014. As you'll notice in the benchmarks, overall memory bandwidth has increased quite a bit, though albeit still 'only' dual-channel.
 

Socket AM3+

The FX series processors is be based on Socket AM3+, the 900 series chipset based motherboards will obviously be 100% compatible. But that doesn't meant that certain series 800 motherboards won't work with the 2nd generation FX processors. Several motherboard manufacturers have already announced mainboard compatibility with "future" AM3+ multi-core processors. Please check with your motherboard manufacturer and see if your AMD 800 series mainboard with AM3+ CPU is supported (BIOS update), then you could enjoy the benefits of the new 32nm processors with 2nd generation Turbo Core technology as well.

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