One of the most affordable computing solutions for the AM3 + platform is the AMD FX-4300 processor. On the one hand, this chip cannot boast an outstanding level of performance. But, on the other hand, the presence of four computing units at once allows this semiconductor chip to launch any existing software, albeit not with the maximum settings.
Chip segment and its computing capabilities
The AMD FX-4300 processor fills the niche of the most affordable processor solutions for the AM3 + socket. In terms of performance, it is significantly better than any other CPU of this manufacturer on FM2 + or AM1. Its presence is enough for the normal operation of almost all existing applications. The only thing to note is the presence of FPS drawdowns in some of the most demanding toys, not even at maximum settings. To avoid this significant minus, you need to buy more expensive models of central processors.
Equipment
The AMD FX-4300 processor is sold in two configuration options: OEM and Retail. In the first case, the price is much lower. But the package bundle is more modest: the semiconductor chip itself, the warranty card, a sticker with the logo of the processor family and the instruction manual for the semiconductor solution. AMD FX-4300 processor OEM options are of most interest to computer enthusiasts. In this case, you can additionally purchase an improved cooler model and, due to this, further overclock this processor so that it can easily compete with the more expensive Intel chips of the latest generation (for example, Kor Ay3 - 6100). Well, the "Retail" -complectation is aimed at ordinary users. It differs from the OEM version only in the presence of a budget cooler and thermal paste. In this case, you can also disperse the silicon crystal, but the result will be significantly lower than in combination with an improved cooling system.
CPU socket for this chip
The AMD FX-4300 processor is oriented towards installation in the latest and most powerful socket. Socket AM3 + is just that and is the “Analog Micro Devices”. There are other processor sockets from this manufacturer. But FM2 + and AM1 do not allow creating complete gaming solutions. The first of them is focused on use in multimedia systems (such PCs do an excellent job of playing videos or audio clips). Well, AM1 is a budget socket that is great for office systems. Therefore, computer enthusiasts turn their attention to AM3 +, which provides the highest possible level of performance. And the most affordable processor solution for this socket is the "-4300".
Technological process
The AMD FX-4300 processor was first introduced in 2012. Since then, no changes have been made to the technological process for the production of its silicon crystals. Therefore, it is manufactured according to a very outdated technological process with 32 nm standards. This, in turn, leads to an increased area of the semiconductor crystal and increased heat generation. In general, most processors in terms of energy efficiency lose to their direct competitors from the Intel blue camp. But this drawback is substantially offset by the very, very democratic cost of the semiconductor solutions of this manufacturer. Separately, it is necessary to note the technological process - SOI. If we decipher this abbreviation and translate it into Russian, we get “silicon on dielectric”. This is the same process by which the once top-end chips of this manufacturer were made - Athlon XP. This technology was promising in the early 2000s, but now it is already outdated. But, on the other hand, it can be noted that it is honed and, unlike Intel solutions, such chips can boast a greater degree of reliability precisely because of this.
Cache
The presence of a powerful three-level system of fast (working at the frequency of the central processing unit) volatile memory boasts an AMD FX-4300 processor. The characteristics of this chip in this regard are really good. The total size of the cache in the first level is 192 Kb. For data storage, each computing module is allocated only 16 Kb. In total, the data cache of the 1st level is equal to: 4 cores for 16 Kb = 64 Kb. The rest of 128 Kb is divided into 2 equal parts of 64 Kb, which are assigned to a specific pair of computing modules. It stores the instructions of the CPU. The second cache level is again divided into 2 parts of 2 MB, each of which is tied to a specific pair of computing units. In this case, both instructions and data can be stored in memory. The size of the third-level cache is 4 MB, and it is common to the entire semiconductor chip.
Random access memory
There is only one type of RAM supported by this chip - DDR3. Moreover, the specifications of the hardware platform allow you to install any modules that belong to this family of RAM: from DDR3-1066 to DDR3-2133 - everything will work in conjunction with this silicon solution. The only thing that you need to understand when choosing RAM strips is the lower the frequency of the module, the lower the total performance of the computer system. The second important nuance is the possibility of overclocking and increasing PC performance higher on DDR3-2133 modules. It is recommended to pay attention to the last RAM slots when assembling a personal computer based on this quad-core silicon crystal.
Thermal package and operating temperature ranges in various operating modes
The AMD X4 FX-4300 processor is manufactured, as noted earlier, by the 32 nm process. This leads to an increased area of the silicon crystal and increased heat dissipation. Therefore, its thermal package is 95 watts. The maximum possible operating temperature for this chip is 70 degrees. In normal mode, the temperature of the chip almost never exceeds 50 degrees. Well, but in case of overclocking with a standard cooling system, you can reach these 70 degrees already at a frequency of 4.8 GHz. Therefore, to overclock this CPU, it is strongly recommended to use specialized coolers that improve heat dissipation and can further increase the performance of a computer system.
Frequencies
The minimum frequency at which the AMD FX-4300 processor can operate in normal mode is 3.8 GHz. This processor supports Turbo Cor technology. Its essence lies in the fact that, depending on the level of complexity of the problem being solved and the degree of heating of the silicon chip of the chip, its frequencies decrease or increase dynamically. It is this feature that allows the chip to increase the frequency to 4.0 GHz if necessary. Well, in case of downtime, the chip automatically reduces the frequency to 1.7 GHz.
Architecture
"Vishera" is the code name for the chip family to which the AMD FX-4300 processor belongs. The Quad Core Processor of this model is the most affordable solution in this line. The manufacturer declares the presence of 4 computing units in this case. But some computer experts do not agree with this positioning of this solution. The blocks for performing integer calculations are indeed separated in the “-4300". But the block for performing floating-point calculations is common immediately for 2 computing blocks. On the one hand, this significantly reduces the level of energy consumption. But the negative point in all this is the decline in PC performance. Another drawback of this architecture is the ability to process only two instructions per cycle. At Intel, this figure is 2 times higher and equal to 4 instructions per cycle. In order to somehow rectify the situation, AMD is forced to sell its chips at a lower cost and unlock the CPU frequency multiplier. All this allows at least leveling out the advantages of a competing platform.
Overclocking
Exactly the presence of an unlocked multiplier is one of the main advantages, the presence of which can be distinguished by AMD FX-4300 Black Edition processor from competitors (this chip has this chip in official sources). But this is only half the battle. To fully reveal the potential of this processor solution, the PC must be specially equipped. It should have an improved cooling system, an advanced motherboard. And it is advisable to use RAM modules with a higher frequency. All this, of course, affects the cost of the PC. But overclocking the AMD FX-4300 processor allows reaching a frequency of 5-5.5 GHz on air coolers. And this is a 30 percent increase. Well, liquid cooling increases this value to 6 GHz. The record frequency value of this chip is 7.2 GHz. Only, most likely, it was received at a special stand.
User reviews. The price of this semiconductor solution
An unlocked chip frequency multiplier and a relatively low price are the main advantages that AMD FX-4300 processor boasts of. The reviews of the owners of this semiconductor crystal indicate this. But he has the following disadvantages - in the basic mode, a low level of productivity and a high thermal package. However, in any case, the price of 82 dollars compensates for any of its shortcomings. And the presence of an unlocked multiplier and a well-configured PC can significantly increase the performance of the system as a whole.
Summary
Be that as it may, the AM3 + platform as a whole and the AMD FX-4300 processor in particular, they will be relevant until the release of the new AM4 platform in combination with central processing units codenamed “Zen”. The most optimistic forecasts indicate that at best this will happen at the end of 2016. That is, the hero of this review will be relevant entry-level CPU for at least another six months.