AMD FX 8350 processor review

Posted by Hilbert Hagedoorn on: 10/23/2012 02:56 AM [ 83 comment(s) ]

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.

The processor for example has a base clock of 4000 MHz but it can Turbo towards 4200 MHz. Revision 3.0 of the Turbo has been implemented to be as efficient as can be.

The Dual channel DDR3 1866 system memory

It is interesting to cite that the FX processors support a DDR3 clock frequency of 1866 MHz, this will greatly help out with memory bandwidth. That doesn't mean you have to throw away your current DDR3 memory, slower memory is obviously supported. We actually expect everybody to use DDR3 1600, which is absolutely a sweetspot price/performance wise in 2012. As you'll notice in the benchmarks, overall memory bandwidth has increased quite a bit, though albeit still 'only' dual-channel.

What is Scorpius?

It's marketing. Scorpius is the 'codename' for a PC platform that consists of three AMD components, namely a 9 series chipset based motherboard, an AMD FX series CPU and then an AMD Radeon HD 6000/7000 series graphics card.

AMD FX 8150 processor review

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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