One of the best entry-level processors with an unlocked multiplier and fantastic overclocking potential is the AMD FX-4350. It is perfect for assembling an inexpensive, but at the same time quite productive computer system, which will be able to solve almost any task at the moment.
Product Niche and Options
The presence of only 4 computing units and a relatively low cost indicate that this processor model belongs to entry-level solutions. In software that is optimized for 4 threads, this processor could compete with more expensive solutions of this manufacturer without any problems and often even win against them. If software is optimized for a larger number of information processing flows, then older models will already have an edge. On the Intel side, the competitor of this product is Kor Ay 3 of the second or even third generation. There are two configuration options for 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 company sticker and an instruction manual. But computer enthusiasts often also pay attention to this configuration option. As a rule, specialists of this kind seek to “disperse” their PC and increase its speed due to this. In this case, a specialized cooling system, rather than a regular cooler, will really look better. The second delivery option is just different by the presence of a cooler and thermal paste.
CPU socket for this solution
This chip is designed for installation in the processor socket "AM3 +". This is the most advanced computing platform for this manufacturer, although it has been presented for quite some time. Any of the AM3 + chipsets will be perfectly combined with the FX-4350. This is a 970 chipset, and 990X, and 990FX. The only important condition when choosing a motherboard is that it must support a CPU with a thermal package up to 125 W (this is the value given in the documentation for this computing device).
Production technology
The weakness of the AMD FX-4350 is the process. This silicon crystal is manufactured to a tolerance of 32 nm. Against the background of the current 14 nm, the most advanced chips from Intel make this processor device look like an anachronism. But, on the other hand, the developed technological process allows us to obtain solutions with higher overclocking potential. And here really a solid advantage on the side of the product from the company "AMD".
Quick memory system
Another important feature of this product is the powerful fast memory subsystem, which consists of 3 levels at once. Its upper level is common for all silicon crystal resources and is equal to 8 Mb; according to this indicator, this CPU is ahead of more expensive CPUs of the Kor Ai 5 line, which can only boast of 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 (like second-level memory, one block can exchange information only with a certain pair of computing blocks). There are also 4 blocks of 16 KB for data storage. In this case, the block is already tied to a specific core of the central processor.
RAM
AMD FX-4350 can work in combination with the most common type of RAM - DDR3. At the same time, you can use in combination with it modules with an operating frequency of up to 1866 MHz inclusive. The maximum amount of addressable memory is exactly the same as that of Intel solutions - 32 GB. The RAM controller itself 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 is better to use a combination of 2 2 GB strips than one 4 GB module. This allows you to get an additional 10-12 percent of productivity.
Thermal pack
The thermal package, as noted earlier, this CPU is 125 watts. Therefore, overclocking it in combination with a standard cooling system is not recommended. In this case, you can overheat the silicon chip crystal and completely disable it. But a specialized cooling system makes it easy and simple to solve this issue.
Frequency
The minimum frequency value 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. This will not give a significant jump in performance, but when working in normal mode it allows you to get even a small increase in productivity.
Internal architecture of semiconductor solutions
Four computing units at AMD FX-4350. QUAD CORE - just such a prefix can often be found in its designation on various information resources of this subject in the global web. A key drawback of this architecture is the presence of common computing units for paired modules. If the integer arithmetic devices for each core are separate, then the blocks for performing floating point operations will already be common. This nuance is the limiting factor that prevents chips based on this architecture in normal mode on an equal footing to compete with similar Intel products.
Overclocking
The processor multiplier is unlocked in the AMD FX-4350. A review of various information resources on the Internet indicates that even in combination with a standard cooling system, this CPU can be overclocked to 4.4-4.5 GHz. Well, if we supplement the computer system based on it with improved cooling, then 5 GHz will not be such a distant mark. In general, everything is fine with overclocking this processor.
Performance Testing and Comparison
If we compare the hero of this review with AMD chips, which have a larger number of processing cores, then in software optimized for operation with 4 or less threads, it will be exactly 4350 that will be faster. It has higher frequencies and the number of X86 modules used in this case will be the same. Well, if the program allows you to use a larger number of cores, then the more expensive processor models will already have an advantage. In turn, in the Intel camp, the competitors of this product are the processors of the Kor Ay 3 line. Their cost is higher, but the performance in this case is greater. But the main problem in this case is the locked multiplier for these chips. But the AMD processor is unlocked. As a result, it can be greatly dispersed. In this case, you will have to purchase a high-quality cooling system, an improved motherboard model and a power supply with increased power. As a result, such a system in terms of cost will not differ much from its competitor, but its speed will be higher.
Price. Reviews
$ 100-110 - that’s how much AMD FX-4350 is priced right now. Reviews highlight the full correspondence of its price and performance. The CPU has one minus - the weak and outdated architecture of the processor part. But the lack of performance in this case is offset by excellent overclocking potential. Another advantage of this product is its availability. At such a price, it is difficult to find a 4-core CPU similar in parameters.
Summary
Although AMD FX-4350 was introduced relatively long ago, it still continues to be a top-notch entry-level solution. This situation will last at least another six months, then the hero of this review will be replaced by the updated architecture of ZEN and the new processor socket AM4.