Overview CPU AMD FX-9370: You can not jump over your head
AMD has made a desperate attempt to regain his own eight-core processor family Vishera epithet “high.” To do this, were released two new models, code-named Centurion, clocks which reach right up to 5 GHz. One of these new products – with a TDP of 220 watts – has been in our laboratory.
Speaking of high-performance processors for desktop computers, which are based on the so-called “large core”, AMD can be criticized for a myriad of reasons. Streams of discontent can easily be sent to the address of its sluggishness in the design of new microarchitecture, delaying the introduction of new technological processes, the wrong priority in the creation of the modern processor designs, carelessness in the performance of their plans, the transition to computer-aided design layout of semiconductor crystals, care attitude to his own engineering professionals , numerous marketing mistakes, and much more. But what AMD is absolutely impossible to blame, it’s the lack of fighting spirit. Despite the fact that, objectively speaking, to the company no decent processor designs, which she could oppose a high-performance modifications to Intel’s processors Core, AMD is trying to keep a good face on a bad game and is making remarkable efforts to ensure that the assembly of desktop systems with enthusiasts still remains some possibility of choice. In the course are all available means, from price maneuvering and ending with the introduction of a micro-architecture does not require radical alterations optimizations.
And if until recently, AMD has pretty well weighty enough to keep an army of supporters who are quite happy that the older FX series processors provide the performance level Core i5, forcing the completely forget about any energy savings, but now this has started threatening to change. The emergence of Intel’s Haswell processor microarchitecture has raised the performance bar for modern desktop systems, inevitably pushing in the direction of the line FX budget and proposals. However, the response reduction in prices is unlikely to be considered sufficient countermeasure. Perhaps, AMD and is capable of self-irony, but the release of the budget eight-processor – a joke is not particularly funny, especially when you take into account the size of the semiconductor chip and the consequent costs. Therefore, to maintain the sagging position AMD decided on a more desperate measures – expanding the line of FX processors with two new members with higher clock speeds: FX-9590 and FX-9370.
At first glance, the output of such processors there is nothing out of the ordinary, nominal growth rate – quite the usual direction of the processor arrays. However, in this case we are dealing with a very special phenomenon: AMD raised the frequency of processors Vishera, closing his eyes to the real possibilities of this processor design. The result of such a rude and straightforward approach has been the emergence of a formal representative of the series FX, operating at frequencies up to 5 GHz, but with limited availability, and the transcendent power consumption and heat dissipation problem compatibility with existing infrastructure. This measure is enforced: Unfortunately, at this stage of any other ways to strengthen the line of FX, AMD is not available. Next microarchitecture Steamroller and more advanced technological processes are not yet ready, and the feasibility of further development of the family of high-performance multi-core FX processors for desktop applications is a big question.
As a result, the new processors like and presented, but just go out and buy them in the store is impossible. According to the official version, FX-9590 and FX-9370 are available only for systems integrators, and only in some regions. Russia in the countries where the news spread, is not included. As a result, spot FX-9590 or FX-9370 for testing was almost impossible task. The Russian office of AMD to help us with samples flatly refused, and in a broad sell in local stores, they have not appeared, despite the fact that the announcement took place back on June 11. However, several instances of FX-9370 still seeped into the retail channels on a gray, and after several unsuccessful attempts to capture one of them we still managed.
AMD FX-9370 in detail
Until now, the model numbers of processors AMD FX following clear rules: the first digit index number indicates the number of cores.However, with the nine thousandth series processors this principle does not work: it is the same eight-based microarchitecture Vishera Piledriver, as the FX-8350. The change in the first digit in the top corner should emphasize that they belong to a special class heavyweights.FX-9590 and FX-9370 against the isolated precursor not only the model numbers, but three parameters: the outstanding clock frequency, incomprehensible TDP and unusually high price.
| AMD FX-9590 | AMD FX-9370 | AMD FX-8350 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Piledriver | Piledriver | Piledriver |
| Design | Vishera | Vishera | Vishera |
| Process technology | 32nm SOI HKMG | 32nm SOI HKMG | 32nm SOI HKMG |
| Cores | 8 (module 4) | 8 (module 4) | 8 (module 4) |
| Clock Speed | 4.7 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4.0 GHz |
| Turbo mode | 5.0 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| L2 cache | 4×2 MB | 4×2 MB | 4×2 MB |
| L3 cache | 8 MB | 8 MB | 8 MB |
| Support for DDR3 | DDR3-1600/1866 | DDR3-1600/1866 | DDR3-1600/1866 |
| TDP | 220 W | 220 W | 125 W |
| Socket | Socket AM3 + | Socket AM3 + | Socket AM3 + |
| The average retail price | $ 880 | $ 350 | $ 200 |
AMD FX-9590 – a special tuned models, the frequency at which the turbo comes to the 5-GHz mark, the nominal frequency is set at 4.7 GHz.Such processors AMD sells in very limited quantities, as their production requires a special selection of the most successful semiconductor crystals. But even though the “individual” approach to manufacturing, TDP at FX-9590 reaches the exorbitant 220 watts. Suffers price: as every rarity, FX-9590 is suddenly a lot. In the few American and European stores, where you can find it under $ 800 prices do not fall.
It is quite obvious: the calculation in the first place is on the collectors whose interest in FX-9590 further fueled by the fact that it may be the last in the line of the AMD FX. At least the latest versions of the company’s plans do not involve the further development of this family of any current or future year, and even when available AMD definitely will be a new microarchitecture Steamroller.
Inherited as we tested AMD FX-9370 – is more interesting from a practical point of view the model. Its nominal frequency of 300 MHz lower than that of older brother – it is 4.4 GHz in nominal and 4.7 GHz in turbo mode. But at the same TDP installed the same, 220 W, which leaves some room for overclocking. Democratic looks and price. AMD FX-9370 contrasts the older models Core i7 for LGA1150/1155-sistem and sells them for about $ 300 – $ 350.
In this case, apparently in AMD FX-9370 produces nothing premium product. The processor comes in a small cardboard box, which, except for the CPU, installation instructions, and decals on the body, nothing. Taking into account the high level of heat dissipation, the choice of cooling systems AMD is passed on to builders, and coming up with some kind of exclusive packaging (for example, similar to the one in which the proposed overclocking AMD Phenom II Black Edition TWKR 42 ) does not make sense for the reason that the FX- 9370 in general should not be distributed to retail.
The very same processor turned out to ordinary Vishera, do not have any deep-seated differences from the usual FX-8350 . At the core AMD FX-9370 is used in exactly the same version of a semiconductor crystal OR-C0, as in other processors platform Socket AM3 +, based on computing cores Piledriver.
It is clear that the FX-9370 – is legalized acceleration FX-8350 on 400-500 MHz, made the forces of the manufacturer. Most likely, FX-9370, AMD selects a successful semiconductor crystals, but first performance at high frequencies is realized by increasing the supply voltage.Thus, when operating at the nominal frequency of 4.4 GHz voltage applied to computational core is about 1.41 V, and the activation technology Turbo Core 3.0 it can be increased to 1.46 V. This is about 0,07-0, In 08 higher than that of conventional processors Vishera.
Thus, the reasons for which the TDP novelties immodest rose to 220 watts, are quite obvious. It remains only to understand how to live with it. AMD itself has prepared a list of demands to the platform that is compatible with the FX-9590 and FX-9370.
Emphasis is here should be on the recommended cooling system: the manufacturer believes that the processor FX-9590 or FX-9370 is vital liquid cooling. In the end, desktop processors with 220-watt TDP still existed, and many coolers just do not assume that the demand for withdrawal of the amount of heat could ever arise. The hottest tetchy among CPU, still present in the market, has a Core i7-3970X – its TDP is set at 150W. However, 220 watts really is not some transcendent number: top-end graphics cards may have significantly higher heat and it is quite normal cost air cooling systems. In other words, it is clear that for the new AMD FX series of Representatives should be selected cooler is better, but single-cell towers for 140-mm fan for heat dissipation to be missed for sure.
For example, we decided to check whether the divert heat from the FX-9370 is not particularly sophisticated air cooler Noctua NH-U14S.
No problem. The processor not only works without overheating, but still in a quite favorable temperature conditions, even at high multi-threaded load. The maximum temperature does not exceed the 68-degree mark.
The second important requirement for motherboards. From them, we need two things: increase the power supply system and support from the BIOS. And if you have the first of many existing motherboards aimed at the acceleration of the number, then the second may be some problems. Motherboard manufacturers have updated the firmware of their old products to support the FX-9590 and FX-9370 is very selective, seeing the release of new AMD processors a good reason to sell followers Socket AM3 + platform for another motherboard. So if you, like us, suddenly lucky enough to purchase one of the new processors nine thousandth of the series, do not forget to consult the list of compatible motherboard with CPU and flash the new BIOS. Otherwise, the Turbo Core 3.0 technology will not function correctly.
Acceleration
Given the generic features of the AMD FX-9370 the first thing that we are interested in – it limits the frequency of his work that can be achieved in the dispersal. The fact that the manufacturer has to set the nominal frequency of 4.4-4.7 GHz are easily achieved through acceleration and FX-8350. If you use a small voltage increase, similar to that implemented in the FX-9370 itself AMD, made to work in the same mode, you can copy almost any eight-Vishera. Therefore, there is a reasonable question about whether there is any sense to chase a rare FX-9370, if the processor is no better than its predecessor – with the only difference being that frees the user from having to mess about in the settings of BIOS.
Check it out. The voltage on the FX-9370 in overclocking can be installed above par, AMD itself says that it is permissible Vishera processors turn up until 1.55 V. The only question is whether the cooling system can handle. But we took a cooler to overclock better – two section tower Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E. From the FX-8350 under similar conditions, we managed to squeeze 4.7 GHz, but at the heart of FX-9370 is not the easiest, and selective semiconductor crystal. It is, in theory, should be a good stepping stone for a higher jump in overklokerskogo space.
And the new processor does not disappoint. Psychologically important 5-GHz high, unfortunately, not picked up, but its overclocking potential was still clearly better than any of his predecessors family Vishera, visited our lab. The result of overclocking experiments was to achieve full stability FX-9370 while operating at a frequency of 4.9 GHz.
Voltage processor cores to ensure smooth functioning in this state increased to 1.5 V. The temperature of the CPU, as seen in the screenshot in the test LinX 0.6.4 (c support FMA-instructions) did not go beyond 85 degrees.
It should be noted that the processor could definitely take and higher frequency. Prevents that only seriously increases with the voltage supply heat to which our Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E could no longer cope. So for overclockers who use computers in their neat Self-assembled liquid cooling system, FX-9370 can be a very interesting proposition. However, in the more familiar surroundings of air coolers FX-9370 performs very decent 200-megahertz advantage over the FX-8350 in the maximum frequency reached us – proof.
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