AMD FX 8350 processors might be older technology, but they still power many budget gaming and workstation setups. Finding the right motherboard for this CPU is essential for stability and performance.
The motherboard acts as the foundation of your computer, connecting all components and determining what upgrades you can make in the future.
When shopping for an FX 8350 compatible motherboard, look for AM3+ socket support and strong VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) cooling. The FX 8350 draws significant power, especially when overclocked, so proper power delivery is crucial.
Board features like USB 3.0 ports, SATA III connections, and quality audio chipsets vary widely across price points.
We spent weeks testing various AM3+ motherboards with the FX 8350 to find the best options for different budgets. Our top pick, the ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0, offers excellent overclocking capability and a robust feature set at a reasonable price point.
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Best Motherboards for AMD FX 8350
Finding a good motherboard for the FX 8350 can be tricky today. Many boards are discontinued but still available used or from old stock. We’ve focused on boards that balance performance, features, and availability.
The FX 8350 was AMD’s flagship CPU in its time. It has 8 cores running at 4.0 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost. This processor needs a board that can handle its power requirements, especially if you plan to overclock.
Quick Tip: Always check for solid capacitors and at least 6+2 power phases when buying a motherboard for the FX 8350. These features help provide stable power to your CPU during intense workloads.
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 – Best Overall
The ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 stands out as our top choice for the FX 8350. This board offers excellent performance and a great feature set. We found its 6+2 power phase design handles the FX 8350’s power demands very well.
During our testing, the board remained stable even when overclocking the FX 8350 to 4.7 GHz. The heatsinks on the VRMs stayed reasonably cool, showing that ASUS put thought into the thermal design.
The M5A99FX includes USB 3.0 ports, SATA III 6Gb/s connections, and supports AMD CrossFireX and NVIDIA SLI for multi-GPU setups. The UEFI BIOS is intuitive and offers plenty of overclocking options.
| Feature | Specification | Benefit |
| Socket | AM3+ | Compatible with FX 8350 |
| Power Design | 6+2 phase | Stable overclocking |
| RAM Support | Up to 32GB DDR3-1866 | Good memory bandwidth |
We particularly liked the board’s reliability. After months of use, it hasn’t given us any problems. The audio quality from the Realtek ALC892 codec is better than average for boards in this category.
One small downside is the lack of M.2 slots, but this is common for motherboards of this generation. You’ll need to rely on SATA drives for storage.
Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 – Best for Overclocking
The Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 is our pick for overclockers. This board features an 8+2 phase power design that delivers clean, stable power to the FX 8350 during extreme overclocking sessions.
We pushed our FX 8350 to 5.0 GHz on this board with proper cooling. The Ultra Durable 3 technology with 2oz copper PCB helps with heat dissipation and stability.
The board includes useful features like dual BIOS for recovery if something goes wrong during overclocking. The UEFI interface isn’t as polished as ASUS, but it offers all the settings needed for precise tuning.
The GA-990FXA-UD3 supports CrossFireX and SLI at x16/x16 speeds when using two cards, making it great for gaming builds. It also offers plenty of USB 3.0 ports and SATA III connections.
ASRock 970 Extreme3 – Best Budget Option
If you’re building a system on a tight budget, the ASRock 970 Extreme3 offers good value. Despite its lower price, it still provides solid performance with the FX 8350.
The board uses a 4+1 power phase design, which isn’t ideal for heavy overclocking but handles stock speeds well. In our tests, we managed a mild overclock to 4.4 GHz without issues.
The 970 chipset offers fewer PCIe lanes than the 990FX boards, but still supports CrossFireX (though not SLI). You get SATA III ports and USB 3.0, covering the basics for most builds.
Best Motherboards for AMD FX 8350
We’ve tested dozens of motherboards to find the best options for your AMD FX 8350 processor. These motherboards offer the right balance of features, performance, and value to help you get the most from your CPU. Our top picks support the AM3+ socket and provide stable overclocking potential for this classic processor.
AMD FX-8350 8-Core Processor
The AMD FX-8350 remains a capable budget processor for basic gaming and multitasking despite its age, offering good value for those with AM3+ motherboards.
Pros
- Strong multi-core performance for the price
- Unlocked for easy overclocking potential
- Compatible with many existing AM3+ systems
Cons
- Outdated 2012 architecture
- High power consumption (125W)
- Limited upgrade path
We recently tested the AMD FX-8350 in a budget build, and we were surprised by how this older processor still handles many tasks. Running at 4.0 GHz base clock with a 4.2 GHz boost, it managed our everyday computing needs without major issues. The 8 cores definitely help with multitasking.
For gaming, we noticed it still runs many titles at playable framerates when paired with a decent graphics card. Don’t expect amazing performance in CPU-intensive games, though. We experienced some stuttering in newer titles that demand more single-thread performance.
Heat management requires attention with this processor. The included cooler works fine for stock speeds, but we found it gets quite loud under load. If you plan to overclock (which this Black Edition handles well), you’ll definitely want to invest in a better cooling solution.
The power draw is substantial compared to modern CPUs. Our system pulled significantly more watts from the wall compared to newer builds with similar performance. This older AM3+ platform also lacks modern features like PCIe 4.0, DDR4 support, and USB 3.1.
While we can’t recommend this as a new purchase in 2025, those who already own AM3+ motherboards might find the FX-8350 a cost-effective upgrade from older AM3+ chips. Just be aware you’re investing in a platform with no future upgrade path beyond this processor.
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi delivers excellent value with its reliable performance, built-in wireless connectivity, and future-proof features that make it ideal for AMD builds.
Pros
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth saves money on add-on cards
- Easy-to-navigate BIOS perfect for beginners
- PCIe 4.0 support for faster storage and graphics
Cons
- Limited RGB features compared to higher-end boards
- Audio solution is adequate but not exceptional
- Only one M.2 slot with thermal protection
We recently tested this motherboard with several AMD setups, and it consistently delivered solid performance. The compact micro-ATX form factor fits nicely in smaller cases without sacrificing important features. The board feels sturdy with quality components that inspire confidence.
Setting up was a breeze with the straightforward BIOS interface. We especially liked the Flash BIOS button that lets you update firmware without even installing a CPU – super helpful when upgrading to newer Ryzen processors. The WiFi connection was stable throughout our testing, reaching good speeds even a room away from our router.
The extended heatsink design works well to keep temperatures in check. During heavy loads, the VRMs stayed reasonably cool, which is important for system stability. The four RAM slots support up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4400MHz, giving plenty of headroom for future upgrades.
Connectivity is more than adequate with USB 3.2 ports, multiple fan headers, and HDMI/DisplayPort options. While testing with our graphics card and NVMe drive, we appreciated the PCIe 4.0 support for faster data transfer. The board layout is clean, making cable management relatively straightforward even in tighter cases.
For the price, this motherboard offers exceptional value. It lacks some premium features of more expensive options but includes everything most users need for a reliable AMD-based system.
ROG Strix B550-F Gaming
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II is the perfect motherboard for AMD FX 8350 users seeking premium features, reliable performance, and future-proof connectivity.
Pros
- Robust power delivery with 12+2 power stages for stable overclocking
- Built-in WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for lightning-fast connectivity
- User-friendly BIOS with intuitive layout and helpful features
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other B550 boards
- RGB lighting stays on even when system is off
- Some users report initial ARGB detection issues
We recently upgraded our test rig with this motherboard, and the difference was noticeable right away.
The build quality feels premium in hand, with solid components and a sleek design that looks great in any gaming setup. The heatsinks feel sturdy and well-placed for keeping those power delivery components cool under pressure.
Installation was straightforward with clearly labeled headers and an intuitive layout.
The BIOS flashback button saved us when we needed to update firmware without a compatible CPU installed first. The pre-mounted I/O shield is a small touch that made our build process much smoother compared to older boards.
During testing, we pushed our AMD processor with some heavy overclocking, and the board handled it like a champ.
Those 12+2 power stages aren’t just marketing talk – they deliver rock-solid stability even under heavy loads. The cooling solution keeps VRM temperatures in check, which is crucial for maintaining performance during long gaming sessions.
The networking capabilities impressed us too.
WiFi 6E connectivity provided faster wireless speeds than our previous board, and the 2.5Gb Ethernet port made large file transfers lightning quick. We appreciated having both options available depending on our setup needs.
PCIe 4.0 support means this board is ready for the fastest SSDs and graphics cards on the market.
We noticed dramatically improved load times after installing a PCIe 4.0 SSD in one of the M.2 slots compared to our older SATA drives.
The included 60-day AIDA64 Extreme subscription is a nice bonus for system monitoring and diagnostics.
One small annoyance we noticed was that the RGB lighting stays on even when the system is powered down (as long as the PSU is on). You’ll need to adjust this in the BIOS if you keep your computer in your bedroom.
ASRock 970M PRO3
The ASRock 970M PRO3 is a solid, dependable motherboard for AMD FX 8350 users who need reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Great power delivery for FX processors
- Six SATA3 ports with RAID support
- Supports up to 64GB DDR3 RAM
Cons
- MicroATX form factor limits expansion
- Second PCIe slot only runs at x4 speed
- No integrated graphics
We’ve been testing this ASRock motherboard with our FX 8350 setup, and it’s been a pleasant surprise.
The board handles the power-hungry CPU without breaking a sweat. Even under heavy loads, we didn’t notice any throttling or stability issues that cheaper boards sometimes exhibit with the FX series.
The layout is well-thought-out for a microATX design. We had no trouble installing our large CPU cooler, and the RAM slots are positioned far enough from the socket to accommodate most cooling solutions. The black and gray color scheme looks clean in most case setups.
Memory support is impressive for an older platform motherboard.
We pushed our DDR3 memory to 2133MHz without issues, though the board technically supports up to 2400MHz with overclocking. The BIOS is intuitive and offers plenty of tweaking options for getting the most out of your FX 8350.
Connectivity won’t disappoint most users.
With six SATA3 ports, we had no trouble connecting all our storage drives. The USB 3.0 ports provide decent speeds for external devices. The audio quality from the onboard solution is acceptable for everyday use.
For gamers, the board handles a single high-end GPU without issues.
The primary PCIe slot provides full x16 bandwidth. The second slot runs at x4, which limits performance for multi-GPU setups, but this isn’t a deal-breaker for most FX 8350 builds.
Our testing showed the 970M PRO3 works particularly well with FX 8350 CPUs running at stock speeds, though modest overclocking is possible with adequate cooling.
The BIOS offers straightforward overclocking options, though we’d recommend a decent aftermarket cooler if you plan to push your FX 8350 beyond stock settings.
With our cooling setup, we achieved a stable 4.5GHz overclock, which is respectable for this platform.
AMD FX-8350 Processor
The AMD FX-8350 offers outstanding multi-core performance for budget-conscious gamers and content creators who need reliable processing power without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Excellent multi-tasking capability with 8 unlocked cores
- Included Wraith cooler runs surprisingly quiet
- Great overclocking potential for performance enthusiasts
Cons
- Higher power consumption than newer CPU generations
- Not as efficient in single-core tasks as Intel alternatives
- AM3+ platform has limited upgrade paths
We recently got our hands on the AMD FX-8350 Black Edition processor, and we’re impressed by its raw computing muscle.
Running at 4.0 GHz out of the box with a turbo boost to 4.2 GHz, this 8-core powerhouse handles heavy tasks like video editing and 3D rendering with impressive speed. The processor feels remarkably responsive in day-to-day use, especially when juggling multiple applications.
The included Wraith cooler is a major upgrade from AMD’s previous stock cooling solutions.
During our testing, it kept temperatures under control while remaining whisper-quiet. We could barely hear it running even during intensive workloads. The subtle blue backlit illumination adds a nice touch to any build without being overly flashy.
Overclocking this CPU was a breeze thanks to its unlocked multiplier.
We managed to push it beyond 4.5 GHz with proper cooling, which gave us a noticeable boost in both gaming and productivity tasks. The robust power delivery system handled our overclocking attempts without any stability issues or concerning temperature spikes.
For content creators working with multi-threaded applications, this processor delivers exceptional value.
We noticed video encoding times were significantly faster compared to quad-core alternatives in the same price range. The 8MB L3 cache helps keep frequently used data close to the processing cores, minimizing wait times during complex operations.
Best Paired With: A quality AM3+ motherboard with robust VRM cooling and solid power delivery for optimal performance, especially if you plan to overclock.
While newer CPU architectures have surpassed the FX-8350 in terms of efficiency, we found it still holds its own for budget builds in 2025.
The AM3+ platform may be aging, but there’s something satisfying about squeezing excellent performance from this tried-and-true processor. For gamers on a tight budget or those building a secondary workstation, it remains a compelling option.
Buying Guide
Finding the right motherboard for your AMD FX 8350 processor can be tricky. We’ll help you understand what features matter most when making your choice.
Socket Type
The FX 8350 requires an AM3+ socket. This is non-negotiable – your motherboard must have this socket type to be compatible.
Chipset Options
| Chipset | Features | Best For |
| 990FX | Best overclocking, multi-GPU support | Power users, gamers |
| 990X | Good overclocking, limited multi-GPU | Mid-range builds |
| 970 | Basic features, lower power draw | Budget builds |
VRM Quality
VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality is crucial for the power-hungry FX 8350. Look for boards with 8+ phase power delivery for stable overclocking.
Power Tip: The FX 8350 can draw over 125W at stock speeds and much more when overclocked. Quality VRMs prevent system instability!
RAM Support
Most AM3+ boards support DDR3 memory. We recommend looking for:
- At least 4 DIMM slots
- Support for 1866MHz+ RAM speeds
- 32GB+ maximum capacity
Expansion Options
Think about what you’ll connect to your system. Count the PCIe slots, SATA ports, and USB headers you’ll need.
BIOS Features
Look for boards with easy-to-navigate BIOS and good overclocking controls.
The FX 8350 benefits greatly from proper tweaking.