fx-8350[FX-8350] Process upgrading a discontinued processor
fx-8350[FX-8350] Process upgrading a discontinued processor
Hello Forum! I’m trying to stay straightforward while sharing all the important details.
1. Background: My initial build was an FX series gaming machine in early 2014, built on a limited budget. As time passed and I became more invested, I’ve added several upgrades. Personally, I see it as a significant milestone in my hardware journey. That said, I’m now considering overclocking for pure enjoyment. Maybe I’ll try it out—though I’m not sure how to start and this is why I’m here discussing it. By the time I started thinking about overclocking in 2020, Ryzens and Ryzen Master had already made things easier, simplifying the concept for newcomers. How did I end up wanting to push an EOL CPU? It was just curiosity—after noticing the processor drawing less power than expected while running under load. What’s the benefit? Probably some experience. I’m hesitant and want to research thoroughly before risking a failing motherboard, which is nearly impossible to replace. Plus, I need a PSU for a larger build so I can upgrade to Plus Gold without paying the full cost myself.
2. System Details: The board I’m using is well-known on forums—its VRMs aren’t great for high clock speeds. Yes, many people mention poor power delivery. I’m running an ASRock Extreme 3 motherboard and have listed all my parts. My PSU is beQuiet!, the case is DeepCool Tessaract BF, and I’m using four beQuiet! Pure Rock fans for intake and exhaust, plus three additional fans.
Expectations & Questions: I won’t expect record speeds or extreme results. The cooling setup isn’t top-notch, but I don’t think it’s worth spending a lot on an AIO liquid cooler for this machine. I just want to try something new without overspending. I’ve watched Jay’s guide and have some ideas, but I’m unsure if I should proceed.
3) What concerns me:
- Could I damage any components if I go slow and test carefully?
- How do the VRMs really help with clocking?
- How much do I rely on the chipset’s performance?
- Based on what others say, how much could I gain?
- If I decide to overclock, would you want me to be mentioned for updates?
4) Conclusion: I’m taking it slow and careful. I hope my explanation makes sense and I’m honest about my goals. I’ll reply when I have more clarity. Thanks for your time!
Best,
Doomkaliber
Is it even running all 4 modules, 8 cores? indeed.... There's a reason why they make the Extreme9 for the FX 9 series, that has 3 times the VRM of your Extreme3 Good, so you dont blow the board up before the CPU overheats and data monitoring, yes. Use HWinfo64. It's what powers the CPU by stepping down 12V received from the PSU to just above the core voltage. It's not looking good here, better add a dedicated fan for it. Any overclock is tied to the silicon lottery, it determines how fast it can go for a set power draw. For fun only, and not really comparable with anyone else.
The higher the clock speed, the greater the power usage which puts extra stress on the VRM. This board isn't really built for overclocking in general use; it's better suited for everyday builds and small adjustments. That said, if you're serious about pushing it further, you'll need a more capable board. For AM3+ models, Asus offered strong options like the Crosshair and Sabertooth lines. Both can handle a 9590 and are among the few that do so reliably. Here’s what I set up with my 8350 using a Sabertooth 2.0 board: https://hwbot.org/submission/4225574_bon...616.65_mhz and another configuration: https://hwbot.org/submission/4225603_bon...9sec_984ms. I don’t know what you’re thinking about the board, but treat it wisely—it can only handle so much. If you really want to go further, be prepared; this model won’t suffice. Also, a 600W power supply won’t work well either because of the increased power draw after overclocking, aiming for at least 850W is usually recommended as a minimum for most overclock scenarios.
You're likely correct regarding the "As Is" arrangement... If they commit to a 600W output, it probably won't achieve the desired result, that's what I understand.
You're welcome! For clarification, here are some resources you might find helpful: materials on VRMs and power phases, quality component impacts, and explanations of terms like "8+2 Golden Power Phase Design with Unicorns." Since your reading schedule is tight, focus on concise summaries or key concepts. The used market can be a good option if you're open to it. Let me know if you need more guidance! Cheers!
The VRM configuration definitely impacts performance. A superior VRM phase allows the board to manage high stress loads from the CPU effectively. Boards like the ones I mentioned are ideal choices—they offer robust VRM phases capable of handling demanding conditions. Performance reflects quality, meaning they're built with durable materials that stand up to rigorous use compared to cheaper alternatives. The material quality matters more than the manufacturer or setup; it's similar to saying "you are what you eat." A board’s construction determines its reliability, regardless of brand or assembly. For AM3+ boards, the ones I highlighted will perform well—no need to worry later. Just remember, prices vary, so look for reasonable deals without compromising on value. Keep an eye out and act quickly when you find a good option. Good luck!
I really enjoy this kind of content. It’s exactly what happened to me when I started experimenting with overclocking just for the sake of it. Here’s the approach: (in my view… for the amusement factor.) First, locate a guide on protecting your board from moisture. (Sure, we’ll dive into that later—don’t worry about me explaining it now) Next, craft a DICE pot (Dry Ice). Then purchase some DICE and a bit of acetone (it doesn’t freeze and helps with surface area). Use it to heat up your bench for some cool effects. Trust me, the effort is well worth it and the investment is minimal. FX processors perform exceptionally when chilled—like running 7ghz club runs on 4+1 VRMs. Of course, it’s only two cores but still over 2.0v. The initial thrill is intense. After that, you can switch to liquid nitrogen or just jump in! A nice perk is that Phenom II chips are affordable and also scale nicely with cooler temperatures. As long as your motherboard supports em’, you’re all set for a lot of overclocking fun.
I noticed a slight issue with the 4+1 phase board—please keep the fan directly above it. Maintaining a voltage between 1.35 and 1.4V should help you reach around 4.4GHz again, just add a fan over the VRM (next to the CPU socket). These boards have been a bit of a shock for many since stock CPUs usually draw only 65 watts. The FX models consume a lot of power; I recall my 8350 drawing 220W just by opening Chrome now that it's running on Ryzen.
It's crucial to acknowledge that FX processors faced significant challenges in the market, similar to what Ryzens dealt with. I recall a tech YouTuber (probably Linus or Jay) discussing how Intel-based systems and motherboards offered extensive features while manufacturers largely ignored affordable high-end AMD options. At 19, building my first system without experience was a disaster—my choices led to a short circuit because I misread the pin documentation for LEDs and button headers. Over the years, I've gradually replaced nearly every component except the original HDD, which now serves as a mass-storage drive.
I'm keeping an eye out for a Sabretooth. Meanwhile, I'm addressing a question from @ShrimpBrime and @Beerzerker: if I can safely increase clocks in 100MHz increments with proper testing, even a modest 0.3GHz boost might be worth it. Experience matters here. I'm grateful for all the insights shared in this thread. Thanks to everyone who contributed!