How can you find the best AM3+ CPU for gaming? There are many different factors, and we’re going to go through them all. Some of these include price, cache size, power consumption, and more. We’ll even take a look at some motherboards that work well with specific CPUs.
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Best AM3+ CPU for Gaming Review
What’s the best AM3+ CPU for gaming? This question is asked quite often by gamers looking to build their computers. This is an excellent question because the processor or CPU you select will have a significant impact on your gaming experience. There are many options when it comes to AM+ processors, but there are only a few that provide any real benefit for gaming purposes.
So, what is the best AM3+ processor for gaming? Answer below.
AMD FX-8350 Black Edition – Best AM3+ processor for gaming
If you are asking what is the most powerful AM3+ CPU? AMD FX-8350 Black Edition is the answer. This processor has an interesting price/performance ratio, it is cheap for its performance level and you will get what you paid for – a beast of a CPU that can heat your room if not properly cooled or overclocked.
AMD FX-8350 Black Edition features eight cores with eight threads each. It’s unlocked so that you can overclock it and squeeze every bit of performance out of the CPU. Another thing to mention is that this processor has a very high TDP – 125W so you better have an appropriate cooler for overclocking or choose some other cooling solution if you want to keep your electric bills as low as possible (note: by default, AMD FX-8350 Black Edition processor runs at a default speed of 4000 MHz). Because of this, it is considered the best AMD processor AM3+ gaming.
Pros:
- Great CPU for overclocking;
- Eight cores with four threads each, unlocked multiplier, and high TDP of 125W;
- Very cheap for its performance level.
Cons:
- Poor stock cooler and it doesn’t feature a heat sink (it is not included in the box).
Summary: AMD FX-8350 Black Edition is the best AMD processor AM3+ for gaming and it will provide you with a super-powerful CPU for your money.
AMD FX-4350 Black Edition – Best AMD AM3+ processor for gaming on a tight budget
Many are interested in the question of what is the cheapest and best AM3+ processor for gaming. We have an answer to that – AMD FX-4350 Black Edition.
AMD FX-4350 Black Edition is a quad-core CPU with 4 threads. It runs at speed of 4300 MHz and has an unlocked multiplier which allows you to overclock it easily. The TDP is 95W so if the stock cooler isn’t enough for your overclocking needs, remember that this processor doesn’t require any additional cooling solutions because its heat sink comes included in the box.
AMD FX-4350 Black Edition features a very low price and it is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but still want to have fun with your gaming rig, thanks to its unlocked multiplier. It allows overclocking the CPU without spending too much money on additional cooling solutions or other components that can improve the performance of your system significantly.
Pros:
- Very cheap for its performance level, thanks to the unlocked multiplier that allows overclocking it easily and inexpensively;
- Comes with an included heat sink so no need to buy any additional cooling solutions if you want to overclock this processor.
Cons:
- Only four cores with 4 threads, not as powerful as AMD FX-8350 Black Edition.
Summary: What is the best AM3+ CPU for gaming at a low price?
AMD FX-4350 Black Edition is the best processor for AM3+ for gaming if you are on a tight budget. It is cheap for its performance level but you should remember that it is not as powerful as AMD FX-8350 Black Edition.
So now you know which AMD processor is best for gaming AM3+. These processors will provide you with a great gaming experience and can handle all modern games on max settings.
What Processors fit in a AM3+ Socket?
The AM3+ socket was introduced with AMD’s Bulldozer architecture in 2011. This socket is designed to support processors that have an FMA (Fused Multiply Add) of 128-bit and 256-bit, as well as those which utilize DDR RAM up to a maximum speed of 1866 MHz.
If you often wonder what the best gaming processor AM3+ socket is, we have an answer.
AMD’s FX 4300 is one of the best choices for gaming purposes on this platform because it offers good performance for the price and it’s unlocked allowing you to overclock.
AMD FX 8320 is a great choice if you want something more powerful than an Intel i-series chip at a budget price, but don’t need overclocking features or support for multicore processing.
However, if your goal is maximum power per dollar then AMD FX 8350 is the way to go. It is considered the best socket AM3+ processor gaming.
AM3+ CPU list
AM3+ processor is an extension to the AM series of CPUs made by AMD. It was designed with an eye toward multi-core processors, in response to Intel’s Core iX line.
The list below contains a selection for the best AM + CPU for gaming according to benchmark tests. This is not an all-inclusive list but is meant to present a strong representative sampling of what’s available in the AM3+ family.
| AMD AM3+ CPU for gaming | Step | Clock frequency (GHz) Base | Clock frequency (GHz) Full-load turbo | Clock frequency (GHz) Half-load turbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM3+ processor 4-core CPU - 4100 | B2 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| AM3+ processor 4-core CPU - 4120 | B2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| AM3+ processor 4-core CPU - 4130 | B2 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.0 |
| AM3+ processor 4-core CPU - 4150 | B3 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.0 |
| AM3+ processor 4-core CPU - 4170 | B2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| AM3+ processor 6-core CPU -6100 | B2 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.9 |
| AM3+ processor 6-core CPU - 6120 | B2 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| AM3+ processor 6-core CPU - 6130 | B2 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| AM3+ processor 6-core CPU - 6200 | B2 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| AM3+ processor 8-core CPU - 8100 | B2 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 3.7 |
| AM3+ processor 8-core CPU -8120 | B2 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 4.0 |
| AM3+ processor 8-core CPU -8120 | B2 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 4.0 |
| AM3+ processor 8-core CPU -8140 | B3 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 4.1 |
| AM3+ processor 8-core CPU - 8150 | B2 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| AM3+ processor 8-core CPU - 8170 | B3 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.5 |
Based on this table, it is worth paying attention to several AM3+ processor gaming.
FX-4170 is the best quad-core AM3+ CPU for gaming. It has a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz. It is a great choice for gamers who want more cores and threads than the Core iX line but do not need hyper-threading capability.
FX-6200 is a hexa-core processor with a speed of up to 4.1GHz. This AM3+ processor for gaming is recommended for gamers as it has a high number of cores and good results in benchmarks.
FX-8150 is an AMD AM3+ CPU for gaming with eight cores. It has a TDP of 125W and is unlocked, meaning it can be overclocked by raising the multiplier. Unfortunately, this CPU had one of the highest power draw numbers so it’s not a good all-around choice. It is best suited for people who are into overclocking or otherwise raising their CPU voltages to get that last bit of performance out of them.
FX-8170 is an eight-core gaming processor for AM3+ with a clock speed from 3.9 to 4.5GHz. It has a thermal design power (TDP) rating of 125 watts and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking purposes. It is a great AM3+ gaming processor as well as for multi-tasking.
Best AM3+ Motherboard
We reviewed the gaming AMD processor AM3+, but also need to pay attention to the motherboard. This important accessory, without which the processor is useless.
The best gaming AM3+ motherboard should be right for your CPU if you wish to upgrade or build a new gaming PC. You will need a high-quality motherboard that is compatible with the best CPUs so it can give you all the features and capabilities you desire.
Best AM3+ motherboards are good options because they support overclocking, SLI/Crossfire setup (if needed), multiple graphics cards, and more.
Some great AM+ motherboards support all the latest features of AMD FX processors including DDR-1866 memory speeds for super-fast data transfer rates which is essential when working with large files such as video. You can also get USB Type C ports on a few new boards if you wish to have this new connection standard.
When choosing the best AM+ motherboard it is important to consider what you are going to use your new system for as well as how much money you have available. The more expensive, higher-quality boards will be great for overclocking and other power-hungry functions but this isn’t necessary if all you want is smooth 1080p/60fps gaming.
There are also budget-friendly options that offer the basic features you need to get started at a lower price point which will be ideal for most gamers and PC builders. If you use your pc for everyday tasks, watching movies/videos online, or playing some games then there is no need to spend more money on a high-end motherboard unless of course, you want to.
Best AM3+ motherboard list
| Motherboard | Features |
|---|---|
 Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 | - Supports newest AMD AM3+ FX/AM3 Phenom II series, processors; - Support for high-speed USB 3.0 interface with up to 5 GB/s bandwidth; - Turbo XHD technology accelerates hard drive performance with ease. |
 ASRock ATX DDR3 970 PRO3 R2.0 | - Supports Socket AM3 + processors, 8-Core CPU; - Supports dual-channel DDR3 2100+ (OC); - 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16, Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX and CrossFireX; - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec). |
 MSI 970 gaming DDR3 2133 ATX | - Supports all latest AMD CPUs including Ryzen and Bristol Ridge A12/A11 chipsets easily overclocks with its OC Genie button which is next to the power switch on the board itself; - Has four USB ports on fr boarding of the motherboard, six in the back; - SLI and Crossfire support on two PCI-e slots (x16). |
 Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 | - USB security; - Gigabyte UEFI Dual BIOS with Q-Flash Plus USB port; - Onboard buttons for easy overclocking and troubleshooting of your system. |
Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3
AM3+ motherboard – Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 is a great AM3+ motherboard that will support various AMD FX series processors and has a ton of features including USB Type-C which is becoming more popular in new motherboards. It supports up to 64GB RAM, SLI/Crossfire graphics card setups, and more.
Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 is a good choice for gamers and PC builders who want to build an AMD FX CPU-based system.
Pros:
- SLI/Crossfire Ready;
- USB Type C supported;
- DDR-1866 RAM speed support for fast data transfer rates.
Cons:
- Not VR ready;
- No M. SATA Express support for faster data transfer speeds.
Summary: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD is a very good motherboard that will work great with AMD FX CPUs and you can’t go wrong picking this one if you want the best AM3+ motherboard.
ASRock ATX DDR3 970 PRO3 R2.0
ASRock AM3+ Motherboard ATX DDR3 970 PRO3 R2.0 is the best motherboard for AMD gamers. It features the latest technologies and design that makes your computer faster.
This motherboard has the latest technology of memory connectivity with high speed. The motherboard includes HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA ports for monitor output display which supports two graphics cards.
ASRock is designed with a great cooling system that has an ultra-quiet fan and heat pipe design which keeps the temperature low at all times for the stable operation of the computer. It also includes a graphic card slot that allows you to install two graphics cards simultaneously, so it can support both AMD CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA SLI™ technology.
Also, this board is fully equipped with all features that are required by gamers to give maximum performance at their desire.
Pros:
- Supports the latest technology of memory connectivity with high speed;
- Has 12 power phase design that reduces the electric current load on each component including CPU VRM and DIMM;
- Designed with a great cooling system with ultra-quiet fan and heat pipe design for stable operation.
Cons:
- No USB Type C port.
Summary: ASRock AM3+ motherboard DDR3 is the best motherboard for gaming with the latest technologies.
MSI 970 gaming DDR3 2133 ATX
MSI 970 gaming DDR3 2133 ATX is the best AM3+ for gaming. The 970 is one of the most popular motherboards, which can be seen in many builds, and it has a great price point. It supports all modern features like M.I.B X utility to tweak your settings easily on Windows or Linux OS menu with overclocking, etc.
The MSI 970 gaming DDR23133 ATX supports both SLI and Crossfire on its two PCI-e slots (x16). It has four USB-s on the front and six in the back. It supports all of the latest AMD CPUs including Ryzen and Bristol Ridge A12/A11 chipsets easily overclocks with its OC Genie button which is next to the power switch on the board itself.
Pros:
- Supports all AMD processors;
- Great price point for the features you get, even though it’s not one of the cheapest motherboards around;
Cons:
- It does not have any USB-C port on the front.
Summary: MSI AM3+ motherboard is the best AM for Ryzen or Bristol Ridge CPUs, providing good features at a great price point.
Best AM3+ Gaming Motherboard Processor Combo
Best motherboard and CPU combo for gaming is not an easy task. Whether you’re looking for the best AM3+ motherboard or CPU, you must take your time to do some research and understand what will work with each other. Each one is different in its way, but there are many similarities between them as well. The compatibility of these two major components is very crucial when it comes to the performance of your games.
Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 is one of the best AM3+ gaming motherboard processor combo.
Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3
Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 is a great AM-series motherboard that will allow you to use the latest FX-8350 from AMD. After successfully overclocking it, we would consider this board one of the best deals when it comes to gaming performance versus price ratio. Its chipset allows full support for SLI and CrossFire configurations if your budget is big enough to add a second video card.
Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 also supports up to 32GB of DDR-2600 memory so you can use this board for years without worrying about its performance. Since it is fairly affordable, this board is a great choice for budget gamers or anyone who wants to get the most of their CPU.
Pros:
- Supports SLI and CrossFire;
- Up to 32GB of memory;
- Great cooling system with LED display.
Cons:
- Only six SATA ports.
Summary: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 is a great AM-series motherboard that will allow you to use the latest FX-8350 from AMD.
FAQ
Ans: Ryzen was released in March 2017 which is incompatible with AM3+ motherboards.
Ans: AMD FX-4300, AMD FX-6300, and others are described in our article above.
Ans: Yes, the sockets are the same with a small notch in AM3+.
Ans: The difference between AM3+ and AM4 is the number of pins. AM3+ has 48 pins while AM4 has only 40.
Ans: AMD FX-8350 Black Edition is the best AM3+ CPU for gaming.
Ans: AM4 and AM3 sockets are not interchangeable.
Ans: AM3 cooler may fit AM4 compatible processors, but it will not work with the new Ryzen CPUs.
Ans: The sockets are physically the same as AM3+ boards are backward compatible with AM3 CPU.
Ans: Yes, they are compatible with AM3+ sockets.
Ans: FM2+ is compatible with AM3+ sockets.
Ans: Quad-core processors usually handle four threads at once.
Ans: AM3+ is better for gaming, but FM+ is more efficient.
Ans: The cooler is compatible as there are no real specified mechanical differences in the mounting brackets.
Ans: No, AM3+ and AM4 sockets are not interchangeable, because they have different numbers of pins.
Ans: The fastest AM3+ processor is FX-8350.
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