In almost every benchmark it is an improvement on previous processors from AMD, especially the Bulldozer flagship, the FX-8150. This isn't out of line with the approximate 15% performance gains that AMD promised us, per generation, of its new CPU's. In a select few measurements, such as multimedia, this new chip even outperforms, or is on par with Intel i7 chips that are $100.00 more. In the Graphics arena, it is just under 1% less effective than an i7 3300k. Another improvement over the older generation is the increased ability to over-clock.

All in all, this chip is still not king of the hill, but for its price range, it is almost impossible to ignore. What build would you put this chip in? Let us know on the forums!

[Ed – We have an FX-8350 in the lab, but are waiting on a newer motherboard before we begin our testing of this new CPU. We are very interested in seeing if some of the claims in performance are accurate or not. AMD needs this CPU to perform well or Intel will continue to walk away from them, but it is more than just performance that AMD needs to bring to the table, these new CPUs need to be something special and if seems like the FX-8350 could be a step in the right direction. For now we reserve judgment until our own testing is complete.]