Core i5-2320 vs FX-6100

Core i5-2320 vs FX-6100 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-2320

4 / 4

3,688

+0.1%

3,686

0.0%

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.

Core i5-2320 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.

Core i5-2320 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.

Core i5-2320

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while FX-6100 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike FX-6100.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌
7.3% HIGHER MSRP
$177 MSRPvs$165 MSRP

FX-6100

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $12 less on MSRP ($165 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,686 vs 3,688).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2320 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2320.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2320 better than FX-6100?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-6100 is ahead with a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2320 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. FX-6100 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2320 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2320 comes in 7.3% more expensive on MSRP at $177 MSRP versus $165 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. FX-6100 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 7.2% better value on paper (22.3 vs 20.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.

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

FX-6100 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-2320 vs FX-6100 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2320

The Core i5-2320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,688 points. Launch price was $160.

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.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2320 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6100 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2320 versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-6100 — a 16.7% clock advantage for the FX-6100 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-2320 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-6100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2320 scores 3,688 against the FX-6100's 3,686 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2320. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2320 vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6100.

Feature	Core i5-2320	FX-6100
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.9 GHz+18%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.3 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	6 MB+2300%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	3,688	3,686
Geekbench 6 Single	560	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2320 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-6100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2320	FX-6100
Socket	LGA1155	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2320) / not specified (FX-6100). The Core i5-2320 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the FX-6100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2320 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2320 rivals Phenom II X4 965.

Feature	Core i5-2320	FX-6100
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2320 was priced at $177, while the FX-6100 came in at $165. On launch pricing ($177 vs $165), FX-6100 was $12 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2320 delivers 20.8 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the FX-6100 — making the FX-6100 the 7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2320	FX-6100
MSRP	$177	$165-7%
Performance per Dollar	20.8	22.3+7%
Release Date	2011	2011

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