AMD refreshes FX Series product line with three new CPUs

It has been a busy day for the folks at AMD. In addition to launching the Radeon R9 285 graphics card, the firm has refreshed its line of FX Series CPUs with the introduction of three new models.

Priced between $147 and $200, the trio is comprised of the performance-optimised FX-8370, along with the power-optimised FX-8370E and FX-8320E, both of which reduce chip TDP from 125W to 95W.

Based on the 'Piledriver' architecture, all three new additions continue to offer eight native x86 cores in AM3+ package. Putting the new models into sharper focus, the below table highlights the key specifications of AMD's various eight-core FX Series parts.

The quickest of the new crop, FX-8370, slots in near the middle of the pack with a turbo frequency of up to 4.3GHz, 8MB of cache, a 125W TDP and a suggested price of around $200. Arguably of more importance to enthusiasts, however, is the fact that AMD has slashed the cost of the top-of-the-line FX-9590. As we reported last month, the cost of the best FX processor is being reduced to $230 (roughly £175 inc VAT).

What's interesting further down the ladder is that AMD has added two power-optimised parts that tout greater efficiency. Denoted by FX E-Series branding, the FX-8370E and FX-8320E have plenty in common with their namesakes but reduce CPU base clock in order to cut TDP by 24 per cent.

In order to meet the requirements of the more-efficient power envelope, the E-Series parts are unlikely to maintain their peak clock speeds for sustained periods, resulting in reduced overall performance. However, the 95W TDP makes the processors better suited to small-form-factor PCs or workstations, where heat output and running costs do matter. Giving end users the option to choose without penalty, AMD has mirrored pricing for both variations. Select either a 125W FX-8370 or a 95W FX-8370E and the same $199.99 price tag applies.

Following in the footsteps of current FX Series CPUs, all three new additions are multiplier unlocked to help maximise overclocking potential, and the trio is presented in the existing AM3+ form factor. This means compatibility with the widely-available 990FX, 990X, 980G and 970 chipsets, which in turn presents users with a hassle-free upgrade path.

These eight-core processors are a whole lot cheaper than recent rival offerings, but have the price cuts or new additions managed to tickle your fancy? Let us know in the comments below, and if you need to see some hard-and-fast benchmark results, stay tuned, our review of the FX-8370E is coming up soon.