Core i5-2400 vs FX-6120
Core i5-2400
FX-6120
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. The Core i5-2400 is positioned at rank 772 and the FX-6120 is on rank 787, so the Core i5-2400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2400
Performance Per Dollar FX-6120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2400 | FX-6120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($54) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2400 | FX-6120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+117%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($54) |
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 i5-2400 and FX-6120
Core i5-2400
The Core i5-2400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (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: 3,870 points. Launch price was $60.
FX-6120
The FX-6120 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 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: 3,853 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6120 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-2400 versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6120 — a 21.1% clock advantage for the FX-6120 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-2400 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-6120 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2400 scores 3,870 against the FX-6120's 3,853 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2400. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2400 vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6120.
| Feature | Core i5-2400 | FX-6120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.2 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+16% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (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 | 3,870 | 3,853 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 595 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2400 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-6120 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-2400 | FX-6120 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2400) / not specified (FX-6120). The Core i5-2400 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the FX-6120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2400 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2400 rivals Phenom II X4 975.
| Feature | Core i5-2400 | FX-6120 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2400 launched at $184 MSRP, while the FX-6120 debuted at $188. At current prices ($25 vs $54), the Core i5-2400 is $29 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2400 delivers 154.8 pts/$ vs 71.4 pts/$ for the FX-6120 — making the Core i5-2400 the 73.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2400 | FX-6120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-2% | $188 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-54% | $54 |
| Performance per Dollar | 154.8+117% | 71.4 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2012 |
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