AMD FX 8150 AM3+ Bulldozer Processor Review

To give an indepth look into exactly what’s on offer from AMD today, we can see a lot of similiarities between certain models  with just the speed separating some of them. Today sees us taking a look at the FX-8150, which features a 3.6GHz core clock, 3.9GHz turbo mode and a stonking 4.2 max turbo. All of this is based around 8 cores with a TDP of 120W, no wonder AMD are keen to bundle a liquid cooling solution along with it. Nothing has changed in terms of the design and still features the patented IHS style shim that we’ve seen many times before in the past. Size and shape is still the same which allows for existing coolers to be used that may have been used or designed for the AM3 range of processors.

Turning things over and looking at the pin layout, we can see that the pin grid follows the AM3+ layout and differs from the original AM3 pin layout by having an extra 2 pins, giving us a total of 940 pins opposed to 938.

When first installing the processor, we can see that it sits comfortably in the socket and as stated, allows you to use any AM3 style coolers.

Using the Crosshair V, we immediately are notified that the CPU has been recognized and are prompted to configure our system in BIOS.

Upon entering the BIOS, we can confirm that we are running the FX 8150 eight core processor at 3.6GHz.

Did we also mention, that in with our sample, we received this glorious belt buckle, and I’ve got to be honest, it’s HUGE and will sit comfortably in my cupboard full of other promotional bits and bobs.