Athlon X4 880K vs FX-6100

Athlon X4 880K vs FX-6100 Performance Spectrum

Athlon X4 880K

4 / 4

3,649

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

FX-6100

6 / 6

3,686

+1.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Athlon X4 880K vs FX-6100 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Athlon X4 880K vs FX-6100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon X4 880K

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $70 less on MSRP ($95 MSRP vs $165 MSRP).
✅Delivers 71.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.4 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($95 MSRP vs $165 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,649 vs 3,686).

FX-6100

2011

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon X4 880K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.3 vs 38.4 PassMark/$ ($165 MSRP vs $95 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 880K better than FX-6100?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Athlon X4 880K is ahead with a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, FX-6100 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, FX-6100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Athlon X4 880K is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 880K comes in $70 cheaper on MSRP at $95 MSRP versus $165 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that FX-6100 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. It is also 71.9% better value on MSRP (38.4 vs 22.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Athlon X4 880K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon X4 880K vs FX-6100 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Athlon X4 880K

The Athlon X4 880K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,649 points. Launch price was $149.

FX-6100

The FX-6100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,686 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Athlon X4 880K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6100 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Athlon X4 880K versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-6100 — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 880K (base: 4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Athlon X4 880K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the FX-6100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 880K scores 3,649 against the FX-6100's 3,686 — a 1% lead for the FX-6100.

Feature	Athlon X4 880K	FX-6100
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+8%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+21%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	—	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB	6 MB+50%
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	3,649	3,686+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 880K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Athlon X4 880K	FX-6100
Socket	FM2+	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X4 880K was priced at $95, while the FX-6100 came in at $165. On launch pricing ($95 vs $165), Athlon X4 880K was $70 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X4 880K delivers 38.4 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the FX-6100 — making the Athlon X4 880K the 52.9% better value option.

Feature	Athlon X4 880K	FX-6100
MSRP	$95-42%	$165
Performance per Dollar	38.4+72%	22.3
Release Date	2015	2011

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