AMD FX-8150 Review

Testing

To test the AMD processors we used the Asus Crosshair V Formula motherboard which is based on the AMD 990FX chipset and Socket AM3+ CPU socket.

For the Intel LGA1155 processors, we used the Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z and for the LGA1336 processors, we used the Asus Sabertooth X58. All three motherboards have proved to be excellent overclockers, and yet cost a reasonable amount, so are great options for everyday PCs running overclocked CPUs.

Test Setup

Software

Below is a list of the applications we've used for our testing - most of them are available free for public consumption, although some are popular professional software applications.

• Shogun 2: Total War (CPU test only)
  
• Arma II: Operation Arrowhead
  
• WPrime v2.05
  
• Our own Media Benchmarks v2007.235
  
• Maxon Cinebench 11.5R (x64)

We've used Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1, as this is the most flexible and reliable 64-bit OS for testing the applications above.

Test Hardware

• Nvidia GeForce GTX 590 3GB graphics card (GeForce driver 280.26 WHQL)
  
• 120GB Patriot Wildfire SSD
  
• Enermax Revolution 85+ 1.05kW power supply
  
• Asus Crosshair V Formula motherboard motherboard
  
• Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z motherboard
  
• Asus Sabertooth X58 motherboard
  
• 4/6GB (3 x 2GB) Corsair 1,600MHz DDR3 memory (CL9)
  
• Thermaltake Frio CPU cooler for AMD processors; Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro cooler for Intel LGA1155 processors and the Be Quiet! Dark Rock Advanced for Intel LGA1366 processors.