AMD Launches New FX CPUs, Cuts Prices On Existing Processors

AMD today is rolling out three new FX-Series processors (the FX-8320E, FX-8370E, and FX-8370) while cutting prices on their existing Vishera AM3+ FX processors. AMD sent over the new FX-8370 and FX-8370E CPUs last week to Phoronix (the FX-8320E is still forthcoming) so we are here with the rundown on the Linux performance of these new FX CPUs compared to a wide variety of other Intel and AMD Linux systems with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS.

AMD's roll-out today of new FX-Series processors (to some dismay) is not about the adoption of a new architecture (Steamroller/Excavator) or any major revamp, but the new CPUs come in at the mid and low-end of the FX spectrum. For all the existing AM3+ CPUs, AMD is slashing prices -- quite noticeably in some cases. For example, the AMD FX-9590 that was reviewed yesterday (thanks to AMD also including the new FX-9590 water cooling retail unit with these other models for review) is being lowered by almost $100 USD. While the FX-9590 is being cut down the most, the lower-end models are seeing between an $11 and $21 price reduction. Before getting any further, here is a table by AMD PR that conveniently shows the new processors and the price changes to the existing models.

AMD's APU line-up isn't impacted by today's FX-Series update.

AMD still doesn't have a contender to go against Intel's Core i7 but the new FX-8000 Series hardware is mostly trying to compete with the Core i5.

The FX-8370 is still an eight-core processor (four Piledriver modules) and it has a 4.0GHz base clock frequency with 4.3GHz maximum/turbo frequency. The TDP for the FX-8370 comes in at 125 Watts, the same as the FX-8350 while being 95 Watts less than the FX-9590. The FX-8370E is an energy efficient version of the FX-8370 that has a 95 Watt TDP by lowering the base clock frequency to 3.3GHz (though keeping the 4.3GHz Turbo). The AMD FX-8320E model has a 3.2GHz base clock (compared to 3.5GHz with the non-E FX-8320) and 4.0GHz Turbo while maintaining the 95 Watt TDP. All three of these new FX-Series CPUs max out at DDR3-1866MHz support. The FX-8370 is priced at launch for $199 USD along with the FX-8370E while the FX-8320E comes in at $147, the same as the new price for the non-E FX-8320. Basically for those wanting a lower TDP can choose the E-Series FX for the same price that will lower the TDP by 30 Watts via reducing the base clock frequency.

In terms of how the larger FX family compares with AMD's also large APU family, the FX-Series is recommended by AMD for "unlocked performance for maximum cores" while the A-Series APUs are intended as "the best platform for mainstream graphics" and the Athlon/Sempron hardware is for inexpensive everyday PCs.

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