AMD FX-8140

The AMD FX-8140 is an 8-core desktop processor built on the Bulldozer architecture with the Zambezi codename, operating at a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. It is designed for the AMD Socket AM3+ platform and carries a 95 W TDP. The dataset records a percentile rank of 50 among all tracked CPUs, though its aggregate benchmark score is listed as zero, indicating that no performance samples have been logged in this database.

Benchmark Performance

The FX-8140's performance profile is defined entirely by its physical configuration, as the dataset provides no recorded benchmark scores. The average benchmark score of zero means that no direct performance measurements exist for this part in the current database. Consequently, the percentile rank of 50 — which places it exactly at the midpoint of all tracked CPUs — is the only aggregate performance indicator available. This rank suggests that half of all processors in the database are expected to outperform it and half are expected to underperform it in overall capability.

Examining the raw specifications, the FX-8140 presents a symmetric configuration of 8 cores and 8 threads, with no hyper-threading-style asymmetry. The base clock of 3.20 GHz and boost clock of 4.10 GHz offer a 0.90 GHz frequency headroom, which is a notable margin for a 95 W TDP part. This boost behavior implies that lightly-threaded workloads can reach higher clock speeds, while all-core workloads will settle closer to the base frequency. The cache hierarchy consists of a 384 KB L1 cache, an 8 MB L2 cache, and an 8 MB shared L3 cache. The shared L3 is a characteristic of the Bulldozer architecture, allowing all eight cores to access a common pool of 8 MB, which can benefit workloads with shared data sets.

The 32 nm process node, 1,200 million transistors, and 315 mm² die size indicate a dense design for its generation. The dual-channel DDR3 memory bus and PCIe Gen 2 interface define the platform's I/O capabilities. Because the benchmark score is zero, any performance inference must come from the architectural traits: 8 physical cores at a 4.10 GHz boost will likely scale well in multi-threaded scenarios, while the architecture's design may limit single-thread efficiency relative to more modern designs. The percentile rank of 50 corroborates a mid-pack standing, meaning the FX-8140 is neither a top-tier performer nor a low-end part in the database's historical context.

Who Should Consider It

The FX-8140's specification sheet points toward specific workload suitability. With 8 cores and 8 threads, it is structurally aligned with multi-threaded applications that can utilize all cores simultaneously. Tasks such as video encoding, 3D rendering, batch file processing, and scientific simulations that are parallelized will see benefit from the 8-core count. The shared 8 MB L3 cache and 8 MB L2 cache provide a reasonable memory footprint for such workloads, reducing the frequency of main memory accesses.

For gaming, the picture is more nuanced. The 4.10 GHz boost clock is competitive for the era, but modern game engines often favor higher single-thread performance over raw core counts. The Bulldozer architecture, as indicated by the 32 nm process and 315 mm² die, was designed for throughput rather than low-latency single-thread execution. Consequently, the FX-8140 may be a better fit for users who prioritize productivity and content creation over high-refresh-rate gaming. The dual-channel DDR3 memory support means that memory bandwidth is limited to two channels, which is adequate for general desktop use but not for memory-hungry high-end workloads.

The unlocked multiplier (multiplierUnlocked: true) makes this processor attractive to enthusiasts who wish to overclock. With a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost of 4.10 GHz, there is headroom for manual tuning, though the 95 W TDP will require adequate cooling. The integrated graphics are not on the CPU itself; rather, they are a chipset feature available on certain motherboards. This means users must pair the FX-8140 with a discrete GPU for any graphical output. The desktop market segment and AM3+ socket compatibility indicate that this is a drop-in upgrade for existing AM3+ motherboards, making it a candidate for users on older platforms who want to increase core count without changing the socket.

How It Compares

The dataset provides no nearestRivals entries for the FX-8140, meaning there are no directly listed competitor names, scores, or deltaPct values to reference. In the absence of a rival list, the comparison must be drawn against the broader database population via the percentile rank. At the 50th percentile, the FX-8140 sits precisely at the median of all tracked CPUs. This position implies that in aggregate performance, it is neither a standout nor a laggard. The lack of a benchmark score (zero) further complicates any direct numerical comparison, as there is no baseline to measure against.

Given the architecture and socket, the FX-8140's closest comparisons would logically be other AM3+ parts or Bulldozer-generation processors, but the database does not supply such data. The 8-core, 8-thread configuration with a 4.10 GHz boost is a distinct specification set, and the 95 W TDP is lower than typical for high-core-count desktop parts of its generation. Without rival scores, the FX-8140's position is defined by its own characteristics: a mid-tier percentile, a moderate TDP, and a 32 nm process. Users evaluating this part should rely on the specification sheet and the percentile rank as the only quantitative anchors.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the AMD FX-8140 have?

A: The FX-8140 has 8 cores and 8 threads, with no hyper-threading, so each core corresponds to one thread.

Q: What is the TDP of the FX-8140?

A: The thermal design power is 95 W, which is a moderate power envelope for an 8-core desktop processor.

Q: What type of memory does the FX-8140 support?

A: It supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel memory bus. It does not support ECC memory.

Q: Is the FX-8140's multiplier unlocked?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked (multiplierUnlocked: true), allowing for overclocking.

Q: What socket does the FX-8140 use?

A: It uses the AMD Socket AM3+.

Q: Does the FX-8140 have integrated graphics?

A: No, the CPU itself does not include integrated graphics. Graphics are available as a chipset feature on certain motherboards.

Power and Thermals

The FX-8140 has a TDP of 95 W, which places it in a moderate power class for an 8-core desktop processor. This TDP level, combined with the 32 nm process node and a die size of 315 mm², indicates that the thermal density is manageable with conventional cooling solutions. The 1,200 million transistors are spread across a relatively large die, which helps distribute heat. The 95 W TDP implies that a capable air cooler or a basic liquid cooler should suffice for stock operation, though the unlocked multiplier encourages overclocking, which would increase heat output beyond the 95 W baseline.

The boost clock of 4.10 GHz is achieved under favorable thermal and power conditions, meaning that adequate cooling is necessary to maintain sustained boost frequencies. The base clock of 3.20 GHz is the guaranteed all-core frequency under heavy load. The dual-channel DDR3 memory controller and PCIe Gen 2 interface do not impose significant additional thermal burden. In a typical desktop chassis with standard airflow, the FX-8140's 95 W TDP is well within the range of mainstream cooling hardware. The architecture's reliance on 8 cores means that power consumption scales with load, but the 95 W rating suggests that the design prioritizes efficiency over extreme performance, making it a suitable choice for builds where power draw is a consideration.