AMD FX-4350. Overview and testing of the processor

One of the best entry-level processors with an unlocked multiplier and a fantastic overclocking potential is the AMD FX-4350. It is perfect for assembling an inexpensive, but powerful enough computer system, which will be able to solve almost any problem at the moment.

Product niche and equipment

The presence of only 4 computational units and a relatively low cost indicate that this processor model belongs to the entry-level solutions. In software that is optimized for 4 threads, this processor could compete without any problems with the more expensive solutions of this manufacturer and often even win from them. If the software is optimized for a greater number of information processing flows, then the older models will have an advantage. On the "Intel" side, the competitor of this product is "Kor Ai 3" of the second or even third generation. There are two options for bundling AMD FX-4350: OEM and BOX. The first is intended for large collectors of computer products. In addition to the central processor, it includes only a warranty card, a corporate label and a user manual. But computer enthusiasts often pay attention to this version of the equipment as well. As a rule, such specialists tend to "overclock" their PC and increase its performance due to this. In that case, a specialized cooling system will really look better, rather than a regular cooler. The second variant of delivery is distinguished by the presence of a cooler and thermal paste.

Processor connector for this solution

This chip is oriented to the installation in the processor socket "AM3 +". This is the most progressive computing platform for this manufacturer, although it has already been presented for a long time. Any of the sets of system logic "AM3 +" will be perfectly combined with FX-4350. This is the 970 chipset, and 990X, and 990FX. The only important condition for choosing a motherboard is that it must support a CPU with a thermal package up to 125 W (this is the value indicated in the documentation for this computing device).

Production technology

The weakness of AMD FX-4350 is the technological process. This silicon crystal is produced at a tolerance of 32 nm. Against the background of the current 14 nm for the most progressive chips from Intel, this processor looks like an anachronism. But, on the other hand, the spent technological process allows to obtain solutions with higher overclocking potential. And there really is a solid advantage on the side of the product from the company "AMD".

Quick Memory System

Another important feature of this product is a powerful fast memory subsystem, which consists of 3 levels at once. The upper level is common for all the resources of the silicon crystal and is equal to 8 MB, according to this indicator this CPU is ahead of the more expensive CPUs of the Cor Ai 5 line, which can boast of only 6 MB. The total size of the second level of the cache is 4 MB, which are divided into 2 parts. Each of them can exchange information only with a certain pair of modules. The first level is even more fragmented. Its total size is 192 KB. It includes 2 blocks of 64 KB for instructions (as well as second-level memory, one block can exchange information only with a certain pair of computing units). Also there are 4 blocks of 16 KB for data storage. In this case, the unit is already bound to a certain core of the CPU.

RAM

AMD FX-4350 can work in combination with the still most common type of RAM - DDR3. In this case, you can use in combination with it modules with an operating frequency up to 1866 MHz inclusive. The maximum amount of addressable memory is exactly the same as that of the Intel solutions - 32 GB. The very controller of RAM in this case is 2-channel, in combination with it it is preferable to use modules of reduced capacity installed in different slots. For example, it's better to use a combination of 2 slats 2 GB each, than one 4 GB module. This allows you to get an additional 10-12 percent performance.

Thermal package

The heat package, as noted earlier, this CPU has a power of 125 watts. Therefore, overclocking it in combination with a regular cooling system is strongly discouraged. In this case, you can overheat the silicon crystal chip and completely disable it. But a specialized cooling system makes it easy and easy to solve this issue.

Frequency

The minimum frequency of this chip is set at 4.2 GHz. If necessary, the processor can increase this value to 4.3 GHz. This is the so-called turbo mode. It does not give a significant jump in performance, but when you work in the normal mode, you can get a small performance gain.

Internal architecture of the semiconductor solution

Four compute units from AMD FX-4350. QUAD CORE - It is this prefix that can often be found in its designation on various information resources of this subject in the global web. The key drawback of this architecture is the availability of common computing units for paired modules. If the integer arithmetic devices for each kernel are separate, then the blocks for performing the operations of floating-point numbers will be already common. This nuance is a limiting factor that does not allow chips based on this architecture in the regular mode to compete on an equal footing with similar products of Intel.

Overclocking

The processor multiplier is unlocked in AMD FX-4350. The review of various information resources on the Internet indicates that even in combination with a regular cooling system, this CPU can be overclocked to 4.4-4.5 GHz. Well, if you supplement the computer system based on it with improved cooling, then 5 GHz will not be such a distant mark. In general, with overclocking this processor is exactly all right.

Testing and comparing the performance level

If you compare the hero of this review with AMD chips, which have a larger number of cores, then in a software optimized for working in 4 or less streams, the 4350 will be the faster one. It has higher frequencies, and the number of used X86 modules In this case will be the same. But if the program allows you to use a larger number of cores, then the advantage will be more expensive processor models. In turn, in the camp of "Intel" competitors of this product are the processors of the line "Kor Ai 3". The cost they have higher, but the performance in this case is greater. But here the main problem in this case is the blocked multiplier for these chips. But the processor "AMD" it is unlocked. As a result, it can be greatly overclocked. In this case, you will have to purchase a high-quality cooling system, an improved model of the motherboard and a power unit with increased power. As a result, such a system at the level of cost will not be much different from the competitor, but its speed will be higher.

Price. Reviews

100-110 dollars - that's what AMD FX-4350 is currently valued. The reviews highlight the full compliance of its price and performance. Minus the CPU alone - a weak and obsolete architecture of the processor part. But the lack of performance in this case is compensated by the excellent overclocking potential. Another advantage of this product is its availability. At such a price it is difficult to find a similar four-core CPU.

Results

Although the AMD FX-4350 was introduced for a relatively long time, it still continues to be an up-to-date entry-level solution. This situation will last at least another six months, then the new architecture of ZEN and a new processor socket AM4 will replace the hero of this review.