Much Potential - worth every penny

The search for the desired CPU is not easy these days. Were there earlier almost exclusively single-core variants, the only one of the clock or the specified performance index (eg "Athlon XP 1800+") needed different, the design now more difficult. The multi-core versions have long taken. CPUs between two and eight cores (and more) are available. Additionally, we are now even more models with integrated graphics core. When it then even "dare" an AMD CPU in the search include, the fun really begins.

AMD is rather discouraged for years. And soon you will be assigned in discussion as to the bearings of the AMD and Intel fanboys fanboys. I know the Posts almost by heart and am grown tired of this. It's always the same thing: "AMD is bad and Intel, the measure of all things".
At least, the pigeonholing. One thing is certain: Intel is basically in the disciplines of performance per processor core, and performance per watt front. And AMD does with the idea of ​​a new CPU generation also already a small embarrassment (Phenom I, bulldozers) and lags in the technology (production size / NM) also afterwards. But is that all? Clear answer: No.

AMD manages nevertheless always provide interesting processors. Last known example: the desktop Trinity models (eg A10-5800K). Their overall package in terms of performance when viewing the integrated graphics chips a lot more interesting than comparable Intel processors. Although the higher power also comes into play here; this would, however, also available with an additional dedicated graphics unit. Priced AMD's are often placed more interesting (the matching motherboards are also often cheaper). In addition, the CPU is always over 90% of the time in idle (power saving mode) for most users. The excitement is so completely in vain. A small note perhaps at this point: Why should a video card about 200 watts consume (nobody cares) and handed out the clubs at a CPU needed 125 watts? I do not get it.

Now we come to the actual product.
When FX 8320 and all models from this series (Vishera, Piledriver) is a revised version of the Bulldozer architecture and the quasi-successor to the FX 8120. And these changes have paid off.

The changes in detail:

Support FMA3, which is introduced by Intel with the Haswell architecture
Instructions for bit (masks) manipulation: BMI1 (Intel-compatible) and TBM (AMD-specific)
Support for floating point accuracy's sake: F16C
Revised and faster L2 cache
New clock mesh (Only at Trinity Version)
Twice as large Level 1 TLB for data (64 instead of 32 entries)

The conclusion of the press at the presentation was very positive. Some excerpts:

H: Rising from Ruins; ... And in the end it is also in this case, again: Mission accomplished!

PC Games Hardware: The FX-8320 provides for 155 euros an extremely high application performance with multithreading and outclassed here any pricing Intel competition

Of course, here the power consumption was reprimanded again. But here again a little note: A CPU which, while consuming more power, but finished faster (rendering), is less power inefficient bottom line.

I opted for this CPU because - as already mentioned - very clear scores with the application software. I want to throw myself especially strengthened in virtualization. And if you can assign each virtual machine multiple cores and the end of the main computer still some fuel left, that's a fine thing.
Of course, also gambled. And there is hardly a game giving the next three years, with the CPU should not be done.

Unless you count up to the camp of quality neurotics who want to put everything on high-end while gambling. The then grab it better for Intel competition.

If there must be a little less, the 6300 was warmly recommended the six-Kerner FX. The specified at 95 watts and for gamers a very interesting, because low-cost alternative. The FX 8300, also designed for 95 watts, is waiting in the wings and completes the eight-Kerner-range in terms of performance to bottom.

I'm at least so far very satisfied. For around 150 euros (as of January 2013) you get a very powerful CPU, which although has a few weaknesses, but overall still very many strengths. In addition, your support a manufacturer who is not really easily had the last few years and is in imbalance. The heart of the CPU of the way, is still manufactured in Germany (Dresden). So even Made in Germany (well not quite: Diffused in Germany made in Malaysia).

*** Update ***

07/27/14: For more than one and a half years of Prozi now tinkers in my computer and I can only say that I am more than satisfied. The performance for compute-intensive applications (rendering, such as Blender / computer games) is still more than adequate and I'm sure that in the near future nothing will not change. Overclocked I do not have the processor to date. Why should they? What I also liked a lot, are the low temperatures (15 ° C in idle, about 40 ° C during load in summer, loft), speak for themselves (CPU Coolers: Alpenföhn large Clock'ner). With Intel processors from the 3000 series (Ivy Bridge) because you have to have self lend a hand (remove heatspreader, better heat conductive paste) in order to achieve those values.