AMD FX-8150 FX 8-Core Black Edition Processor (FD8150FRGUBOX)

There are far too many reviews comparing the FX-8150 to what it was supposed to be. The things is, in my opinion, it IS exactly what it is supposed to be - an eight core processor that, when tasked with software that acually uses eight cores, is one of the highest performing CPU's in the market.

Using tanscoding type benchmarks, such as x264 FHD Benchmark, transcoding a DVD into an HD .avi or .mkv, or simply having fun OC'ing the processor shows us a processor that that has guts, power, and the ability to chew up and spit out the toughtest assignments a computer user can apply. Bulldozer is a perfect name. It may not be a perfect processor for the gamer or the one who has an extra $500 dollars to spend on the "other" brand but this processor, coupled with a motherboard and chipset designed for this CPU (such as the Crosshair V Formula by Asus) has what it takes to keep up with most of the world's most common processors.

During idle and 90% of a computer user's requirements, the 8150 is a very cool processor. That wasn't a figure of speech. Idle temps are always in the teens, and processor core temps in the 40c range come about only during benchmark or other "full load" requiring software applications. Operations are usually in the mid to upper 20's and even transcoding video won't make this CPU hotter than a nice summer day. However, this AMD offeriing requires a bonafide cooling system. If you are planning on OC'ing past the 4.5ghz range, then water cooling is advised. This processor can go from nice and cool to very hot when set to clock speeds over 4.2gHz.

This is not to say anything at all about this BE CPU's ability to overclock. I have had my 8150 stable over 5gHz, but I also had water cooling, a LOT of fans, and cold night with the wind blowing and the windows open! This CPU holds the world's record for speed, but it took liquid nitrogen to keep it cool. This could be a problem for some. For those who are looking for a "sleeper" for a CPU and plan on keeping its speed close to stock, heat will not be a problem.

This processor, for its price, ought not to be the disappointment it has been made out to be. After all, it will cost you at least $200 USD to buy a processor than will outperform it and price difference is increasing by the day as mobo manufacturers such as Asus and MSI have greatly improved their chipset hardware and BIOS upgrades. This processor will surely be around for a long time with its low price and continued compatability with new software. I will also be a favorite for anyone who spends lots of time with video, photo, and transcoding software. Overall, a better than average CPU for most tasks. Not a favorite with the gamers. Just a great processor for a great price.

If you've seen all the negative review on the FX-8150, you might be afraid to try this chip. For me, it's a godsend. I don't play videogames, if you do maybe this chip isn't for you.

I run more of a server/workstation than a desktop computer. However, having a small, unprofitable business, I don't have an unlimited budget.

For me, the FX-8150 is by far the best chip on the market. For my purposes, it beats an i7-3960X, which costs more than my entire system did. The chip also supports ECC memory, which the i7-3960X does not, but I'm still not sure if my motherboard does...

Here's my system:

AMD fx-8150
Asus sabertooth 990fx
16 Corsair vengeance 1600
OCZ ZT 650W PSU
OCZ Vertex 3 60G ssd
Seagate 3TB hdd
Asus EAH6850 GPU (stupid mistake, should have gone with a firepro, live and learn I guess)
Antec twelve hundred case

All and all, this system runs loops around my old rig. The motherboard has a five year warranty, which is great.

The whole setup (I already had the hard drives) cost me about $1000 with taxes, which is less then the price of a similar intel chip without taxes (16% sales taxes where I live).

Also, currently G34 socket motherboards don't seem to come with SATA III, which you need to appreciate a modern SSD. Instead of spending 1000$ on a 16 core AMD opteron, I would buy two of these systems.

And don't be fooled by intel's hyper-threading, it's nothing compared to these cores. Try running a lot of VM's and you'll see what I mean. Intel sucks at VM.