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Amd Fx 8350 Vs Ryzen 7 3700x

Michael is the owner and chief editor of MichaelPCGuy.com. He has over 15 years of experience fixing, upgrading, and optimizing personal computers. Michael started his career working as a computer technician at a local repair shop where he learned invaluable skills for hardware and software troubleshooting. In his free time,...

What To Know

  • The FX-8350, released in 2012, was a flagship offering from AMD’s Piledriver microarchitecture, while the Ryzen 7 3700X, launched in 2019, embodies the cutting-edge Zen 2 architecture.
  • The FX-8350 has a higher power consumption than the Ryzen 7 3700X, with a typical power draw of 125W compared to 65W.
  • While the FX-8350 may be a budget-friendly option for legacy systems, the Ryzen 7 3700X represents the future of computing and is highly recommended for modern builds.

The AMD FX-8350 and Ryzen 7 3700X represent two distinct eras in CPU architecture and performance. The FX-8350, released in 2012, was a flagship offering from AMD’s Piledriver microarchitecture, while the Ryzen 7 3700X, launched in 2019, embodies the cutting-edge Zen 2 architecture. This comparison delves into their design, performance, and suitability for modern computing needs.

Architecture and Core Count

The AMD FX-8350 boasts eight physical cores, while the Ryzen 7 3700X features eight cores and sixteen threads. The FX-8350’s cores are based on the older Piledriver architecture, which emphasizes raw clock speed rather than core efficiency. In contrast, the Ryzen 7 3700X’s Zen 2 cores prioritize both clock speed and instructions per cycle (IPC).

Clock Speed and IPC

The FX-8350 operates at a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz, which can be boosted to 4.2 GHz with Turbo Core. The Ryzen 7 3700X runs at a lower base clock of 3.6 GHz but boosts to 4.4 GHz. However, the Zen 2 architecture’s superior IPC gives the Ryzen 7 3700X a significant performance advantage despite its lower clock speed.

Cache Size and Memory Support

The FX-8350 features 8 MB of L3 cache, while the Ryzen 7 3700X has a larger 32 MB of L3 cache. This increased cache size allows the Ryzen 7 3700X to store more frequently accessed data, reducing latency and improving performance. Both CPUs support DDR3 memory for the FX-8350 and DDR4 memory for the Ryzen 7 3700X.

Gaming Performance

In gaming, the Ryzen 7 3700X outperforms the FX-8350 due to its superior IPC and multi-threading capabilities. In titles that heavily rely on single-core performance, the FX-8350 may hold its own, but the Ryzen 7 3700X will generally provide smoother gameplay and higher frame rates.

Content Creation and Productivity

For content creation and productivity tasks, the Ryzen 7 3700X excels thanks to its higher core count, larger cache, and improved IPC. Applications that leverage multi-threading, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development, will benefit significantly from the Ryzen 7 3700X’s architecture.

Power Consumption and Thermal Performance

The FX-8350 has a higher power consumption than the Ryzen 7 3700X, with a typical power draw of 125W compared to 65W. This difference is attributed to the FX-8350’s older architecture and larger number of cores. The Ryzen 7 3700X also runs cooler, making it more suitable for compact builds and laptops.

Price and Availability

The AMD FX-8350 is obsolete and no longer available for purchase. The Ryzen 7 3700X is still available from select retailers, but its availability may be limited due to its age. When available, the Ryzen 7 3700X typically retails for around $300, while the FX-8350 was discontinued with a price of around $200.

Which CPU is Right for You?

The choice between the AMD FX-8350 and Ryzen 7 3700X depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re on a tight budget and primarily use your PC for gaming, the FX-8350 may still be a viable option. However, for the vast majority of users, the Ryzen 7 3700X offers superior performance, efficiency, and future-proofing.

Verdict: The Future is Zen

The Ryzen 7 3700X is the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior architecture, higher IPC, larger cache, and lower power consumption make it a more capable CPU for gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks. While the FX-8350 may be a budget-friendly option for legacy systems, the Ryzen 7 3700X represents the future of computing and is highly recommended for modern builds.

Q: Is the AMD FX-8350 still a good CPU for gaming?
A: While the FX-8350 may suffice for older games, it struggles with modern AAA titles and is not recommended for serious gaming.

Q: How much faster is the Ryzen 7 3700X than the FX-8350?
A: In general, the Ryzen 7 3700X is 50-100% faster than the FX-8350, depending on the specific task or application.

Q: Can the Ryzen 7 3700X be overclocked?
A: Yes, the Ryzen 7 3700X can be overclocked to achieve higher performance, but it requires compatible hardware and careful tuning.

Q: What motherboard do I need for the Ryzen 7 3700X?
A: The Ryzen 7 3700X requires a motherboard with an AM4 socket and a compatible chipset, such as X570, B550, or A520.

Q: How much RAM do I need for the Ryzen 7 3700X?
A: 16GB of RAM is recommended for the Ryzen 7 3700X for optimal performance, but 8GB may be sufficient for basic tasks.

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Michael

Michael is the owner and chief editor of MichaelPCGuy.com. He has over 15 years of experience fixing, upgrading, and optimizing personal computers. Michael started his career working as a computer technician at a local repair shop where he learned invaluable skills for hardware and software troubleshooting. In his free time, Michael enjoys tinkering with computers and staying on top of the latest tech innovations. He launched MichaelPCGuy.com to share his knowledge with others and help them get the most out of their PCs. Whether someone needs virus removal, a hardware upgrade, or tips for better performance, Michael is here to help solve any computer issues. When he's not working on computers, Michael likes playing video games and spending time with his family. He believes the proper maintenance and care is key to keeping a PC running smoothly for many years. Michael is committed to providing straightforward solutions and guidance to readers of his blog. If you have a computer problem, MichaelPCGuy.com is the place to find an answer.
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