The processor solution for implementing averages both in terms of performance and the cost of computer systems within the framework of the AM3 + platform is AMD FX-6200. This chip has a 6-core layout and allows you to solve a wide range of tasks.
In this case, even the most demanding applications will work on it, and the presence of an unlocked multiplier allows you to increase the speed of your PC if necessary.
Which ones will this chip look best in?
As part of the AM3 + computer platform, AMD's processor solutions were distributed as follows:
The segment of budget solutions was occupied by the FX-4XXX series chips. These semiconductor solutions had a reduced cache size, and the chip included only 4 computing clusters.
Middle-class processors included FX-6XXX solutions. Their key difference in relation to the younger models is an increase in the number of computing cores from 4 to 6. Another factor that provided an increase in speed is an increase in the cache size. It was to this series of CPUs that the AMD FX-6200 belonged. “Six Core Processor” - just such an inscription on its packaging could be found. These chips are perfect for medium-sized gaming PCs, graphics and workstations, entry-level servers and multimedia systems.
Flagship products in this case were designated FX-8XXX. As in the previous two cases, the performance gain was achieved by increasing the number of cores from 6 to 8 and a larger cache size.
Complete processor solution
Most often, the AMD FX-6200 could be found in the BOX version. It included the following:
Processor device.
Transparent protective box made of durable plastic.
Certificate of Conformity.
Warranty card.
Brand cooler.
CPU family logo sticker
Quick start guide.
Special thermal grease for improved heat dissipation.
All this was packed in a cardboard box. The second type of configuration was called TRAIL. It differed from the previous one in that it did not include a cardboard box and a cooling system.
Socket to install. Chip series
Like any other processor solution in the lineup, the AMD FX-6200 had to be installed in the processor socket AM3 +. But also such chips could function in AM3 motherboards. Especially for this hardware platform, 9XX series system logic sets were released. But also such CPUs could work with 8XX and even 7XX series of AMD chipsets.
Architecture. Frequency potential
Buldozer is the code name for the microprocessor architecture on which the AMD FX 6200 processor is based. “Six Core Processor” - this chip belongs to this category of devices. It is easy to determine by this phrase, at the heart of this CPU is 6 modules for processing program code. The base value of the nominal frequency in this case is 3.8 GHz. It is also necessary to note that this chip supports TurboCore technology, with which the CPU clock frequency changes during the functioning of the computing system. Its maximum value is 4.2 GHz.
Power consumption level. Temperature specifications
Any AMD FX processor within the framework of AM3 + was manufactured using SOI technology with 32 nm tolerance standards. The thermal package of this chip corresponds to 125W. The highest temperature value of the semiconductor crystal was set by the manufacturer at 75 0 C. In reality, even when solving the most demanding tasks, the temperature does not exceed 65 0 C. The supply voltage of this CPU should be in the range from 0.75 V to 1.4 V.
Cache
Organization of cache memory in AMD FX-6200 is simply perfectly implemented. The characteristics of this chip indicate the presence of three levels. The first level can store 288 KB of information. At the same time, 192 Kb of them are intended for storing instructions. In addition to this, these 192 KB are divided into 3 parts of 64 KB. Each of these clusters can interact only with a certain pair of computing units. The data memory, in turn, is divided into 6 segments of 16 KB. Each of these segments is aimed at interacting only with a specific computing core. The total volume of the second level of the cache is 6 MB, which are divided into 3 parts of 2 MB. Each of these parts can directly interact only with a certain pair of nuclei.
The third cache level is general and its size is 8 MB.
RAM
The AMD FX-6200 processor can work in tandem only with DDR3 RAM. Moreover, this limitation comes from the RAM controller, which is integrated into the chipset's north bridge chip. In addition to this, it can operate in dual channel mode and address 16 GB of RAM. Therefore, in the maximum configuration with such a processor device, you can find 4 modules of 4 GB. The frequency of the memory chips can be 1066, 1333, 1600 and even 1866 MHz.
Overclocking potential
The impressive overclocking potential boasts the chip in question. He has an unlocked multiplier. Therefore, you can increase productivity in this case at once in two ways:
In any case, the system should be equipped as follows:
Improved motherboard model.
Quality cooling system. Moreover, the latter should consist not only of a processor cooler, but also external fans on the case.
Power supply with an increased value of rated power. The minimum value of the latter is 650 watts.
The order of overclocking the chip in this case is as follows:
Gradually increase the value of the multiplier, which forms the frequency of the CPU.
After each such manipulation, we check the stability of the computing system.
When a simple increase in the multiplier is no longer enough, we begin to increase the voltage.
Be sure to check the stability of the PC after each increment.
The maximum voltage on the CPU can reach 1.4 V. Above this value, you can not rise. Also, in the event of instability in the operation of a computer system, further overclocking is no longer possible.
This chip is quite possible to overclock to 4.7-5.0 GHz.
This allows you to get an additional 16 percent in productivity.
Tests. Comparison with competing solutions
In software that is optimized for 4 or 6 cores, the hero of this article is able to produce pretty good results. If a program can be executed in only one thread, then a significant decrease in performance will be observed. As opponents of the chip in question, it is most optimal to choose the FX 8120 and i5-2300. These processor devices belong to the same segment of the computer equipment market and show comparable results. The test configuration was based on the GeForce 9800 GTX video accelerator , equipped with only 1 GB of RAM version GDDR3, and DDR3-1333 RAM in the amount of 2 strips of 1 GB each. The quality of the output image is maximum, and its format is 1280x1024. In the 3dMark 06 synthetic test, forces are distributed in conditional points like this:
i5-2300 - 6635.
FX-6200 - 6419.
FX-8120 - 6383.
Advanced architecture and the presence of 4 separate cores in this case allow the Intel solution to show the best result. The considered solution bypasses AMD’s flagship chip for the reason that it has an initially higher frequency and no more than 4 cores are used in the software itself. In the WinRar test, the situation is radically changing. In this case, the following results are obtained in Kb / sec:
FX-6200-2984.
FX-8120 - 2743.
i5-2300 - 2698.
The Intel chip falls to the last place and in this case neither the advanced architecture nor 4 separate blocks of code processing help it. The software itself is optimized for 6 threads and the results for a 6-core processor are better than for 8 for the reason that the first nominal frequency is initially higher. The difference becomes even greater in the game Tom Clancy's HAWX. The processors in this case show such results in fps:
FX-6200 - 144.
FX-8120 - 134.
i5-2300 - 110.
The situation in the game Far Cry 2 is radically changing. The processors in it give such results in fps:
i5-2300 - 135.
FX-6200 - 98.
FX-8120 - 80.
In this case, the game is imprisoned for Intel chips, and AMD processors in it are difficult to show high results.
Cost
So far, the AM3 + platform is relevant and officially supported by the manufacturer. As a result, the chip in question can still be purchased at a price of about $ 60. Assembling a new computer based on it is no longer practical. For these purposes, it is better to use the updated AM4 solution. But for the repair of old computers based on AM3 + such a chip is perfect. It can also be used to improve the performance of old system units with the same processor socket.
Reviews
The owners of the AMD FX-6200 indicate certain disadvantages inherent in the chip in question. A review of reviews on the global web highlights the following:
Overpriced power consumption. The key reason in this case is an outdated process. Therefore, you can only install such a CPU in motherboards that support chips with a thermal package of up to 125 watts.
Low performance in nominal mode. Such a processor shows normal performance only after overclocking. Therefore, such a system unit must be properly equipped, and this has already been discussed.
The advantages of this model of the processor device include:
Summary
At the time of release in 2011, the AMD FX-6200 was a really excellent mid-range chip.
Moreover, the level of its performance is fully consistent with the cost. Now, such a processor is only suitable either for repairing system units with an AM3 + socket, or for improving their performance. In all other cases, it is better to pay attention to the recently presented processor socket AM4.