Unleash the Power: AMD FX 8320E vs Intel Core i9 7900X Comparison

The world of CPUs is a fascinating landscape of constant evolution. We see new architectures, enhanced core counts, and ever-increasing clock speeds. But sometimes, it’s interesting to look back and compare the giants of yesterday with the titans of today. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a deep dive into a clash of eras: the AMD FX 8320E, a relic from the Bulldozer era, and the Intel Core i9 7900X, a powerhouse from the Skylake-X generation. This comparison will explore their performance, features, and ultimately, which CPU reigns supreme in the realm of processing power.

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

AMD FX 8320E: Released in 2012, the FX 8320E was a mid-range processor built on AMD’s Bulldozer architecture. It featured eight cores with a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock of 3.5 GHz. The FX 8320E was known for its relatively low power consumption and its affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers and enthusiasts.
Intel Core i9 7900X: Debuting in 2017, the Core i9 7900X was a high-end processor part of Intel’s Skylake-X family. Equipped with ten cores and twenty threads, it boasted a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and a turbo boost up to 4.5 GHz. This CPU was designed for demanding tasks like content creation, gaming, and professional workloads, offering exceptional performance and multi-threading capabilities.

Performance: A Clear Divide

The performance difference between these two CPUs is significant. The Intel Core i9 7900X outperforms the AMD FX 8320E in nearly every aspect. This is largely due to advancements in architecture, core count, and clock speeds.
Gaming: While the FX 8320E could handle some games at lower settings, the Core i9 7900X delivers a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience, especially at higher resolutions and demanding settings. The increased core count and higher clock speeds of the Core i9 7900X translate into significantly higher frame rates and reduced stuttering.
Multi-tasking: The Core i9 7900X shines in multi-tasking scenarios. Its ten cores and twenty threads allow it to handle multiple demanding applications simultaneously without a noticeable performance drop. The FX 8320E, with its eight cores and limited thread count, struggles to keep up with heavy workloads and often experiences performance bottlenecks.
Content Creation: The Core i9 7900X is a powerhouse for content creation tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. Its superior performance enables faster rendering times, smoother video editing workflows, and overall increased productivity. The FX 8320E, while capable of basic content creation, falls significantly short in terms of speed and efficiency.

Features and Technologies: A Generation Apart

The technological gap between the FX 8320E and the Core i9 7900X is evident in their features and technologies.
Architecture: The FX 8320E utilizes AMD’s Bulldozer architecture, which is known for its relatively low IPC (instructions per clock cycle). The Core i9 7900X, on the other hand, leverages Intel’s Skylake-X architecture, which boasts a significantly higher IPC, resulting in better performance per clock cycle.
Cache: The Core i9 7900X offers a larger L3 cache (19.25 MB) compared to the FX 8320E (8 MB), leading to faster access to frequently used data and improved overall performance.
Memory Support: The Core i9 7900X supports faster DDR4 memory, while the FX 8320E is limited to DDR3. This difference in memory technology allows the Core i9 7900X to take advantage of faster memory speeds, further enhancing its performance.
Overclocking: While both CPUs are capable of overclocking, the Core i9 7900X offers a wider range of overclocking potential, allowing users to push its performance even further.

Power Consumption and Heat Output: A Trade-off

The Core i9 7900X, with its higher core count and clock speeds, consumes significantly more power than the FX 8320E. This increased power consumption also translates into higher heat output, requiring a more robust cooling solution. The FX 8320E, being a more power-efficient CPU, generates less heat and can be cooled with less demanding solutions.

Price and Value: A Matter of Perspective

The Core i9 7900X, being a high-end processor from a later generation, carries a significantly higher price tag compared to the FX 8320E. However, considering its performance advantage and the longevity of its capabilities, it can be argued that the Core i9 7900X offers better value for those seeking top-tier performance. The FX 8320E, while affordable, may not be the best choice for users who require the latest performance and features.

The Verdict: A Clear Winner

The Intel Core i9 7900X emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior performance, advanced features, and technological advancements make it a formidable processor that excels in demanding workloads and gaming. While the AMD FX 8320E was a competent CPU in its time, it falls short in comparison to the power and efficiency of the Core i9 7900X.

The Future: A Look Beyond the Horizon

The world of CPUs is constantly evolving, with new architectures and technologies emerging regularly. While the Core i9 7900X was a top-tier processor in its time, it has since been surpassed by newer generations of Intel and AMD CPUs. The future of CPU performance lies in advancements like:

• Increased Core Counts: We can expect to see CPUs with even higher core counts, enabling even more powerful multi-tasking capabilities.
• Improved IPC: Continuous improvements in architecture and design will lead to higher IPC, translating into better performance per clock cycle.
• AI Acceleration: Dedicated AI processing units will become more prevalent, accelerating tasks that involve machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Choosing the Right CPU: A Final Thought

The choice between the AMD FX 8320E and the Intel Core i9 7900X ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. The FX 8320E might be a suitable option for budget-conscious users who need a basic CPU for general tasks. However, for demanding workloads, gaming, and content creation, the Core i9 7900X offers significantly better performance and features, making it the superior choice.

Information You Need to Know

Q1: Is the AMD FX 8320E still a viable CPU in 2023?
A: While the FX 8320E was a decent CPU in its time, it’s significantly outdated in 2023. It lacks the performance and features of modern CPUs, and its performance will struggle with demanding tasks and games.
Q2: What are some alternative CPUs to the Intel Core i9 7900X?
A: There are several newer and more powerful CPUs available, such as the Intel Core i9-13900K or the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. These CPUs offer significantly better performance, features, and efficiency compared to the Core i9 7900X.
Q3: Can I upgrade the AMD FX 8320E to a Core i9 7900X?
A: Upgrading from the FX 8320E to a Core i9 7900X would require a new motherboard, as the two CPUs use different sockets and chipsets. You’ll also need to ensure your power supply is capable of handling the increased power consumption of the Core i9 7900X.
Q4: Should I buy a pre-built PC with an AMD FX 8320E or an Intel Core i9 7900X?
A: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pre-built PC, an FX 8320E might be an option, but it won’t offer optimal performance. For a high-performance pre-built PC, opt for a system with a newer and more powerful CPU like the Core i9 7900X or its successors.