Core i3-9100 vs FX-8120
Core i3-9100
FX-8120
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100
Performance Per Dollar FX-8120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-9100 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-9100 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+213%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-9100 and FX-8120
Core i3-9100
The Core i3-9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,586 points. Launch price was $122.
FX-8120
The FX-8120 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 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,594 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-9100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8120 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8120 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100 versus 4 GHz on the FX-8120 — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-9100 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8120 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100 scores 6,586 against the FX-8120's 6,594 — a 0.1% lead for the FX-8120. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100 vs 8192 kB on the FX-8120.
| Feature | Core i3-9100 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+5% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+16% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8192 kB+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 6,586 | 6,594 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-9100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8120 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-9100 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-9100 launched at $122 MSRP, while the FX-8120 debuted at $205. At current prices ($125 vs $40), the FX-8120 is $85 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100 delivers 52.7 pts/$ vs 164.8 pts/$ for the FX-8120 — making the FX-8120 the 103.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-9100 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $122-40% | $205 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $125 | $40-68% |
| Performance per Dollar | 52.7 | 164.8+213% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2011 |
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