Core i5-3330S vs FX-6120

Core i5-3330S vs FX-6120 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3330S

4 / 4

3,915

+1.6%

3,853

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 i5-3330S vs FX-6120 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 i5-3330S vs FX-6120: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3330S

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 77W instead of 95W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-6120 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.9 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($231 MSRP vs $188 MSRP).

FX-6120

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $43 less on MSRP ($188 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).
✅Delivers 20.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.5 vs 16.9 PassMark/$ ($188 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,853 vs 3,915).
❌23.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 77W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3330S better than FX-6120?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-6120 is ahead with a 3.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3330S pulls ahead with 1.6% better PassMark. FX-6120 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 i5-3330S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3330S is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3330S comes in 22.9% more expensive on MSRP at $231 MSRP versus $188 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.6% better PassMark. FX-6120 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 20.9% better value on paper (20.5 vs 16.9 PassMark/$), 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-6120 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-3330S vs FX-6120 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3330S

The Core i5-3330S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,915 points. Launch price was $231.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3330S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6120 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6120 — a 27% clock advantage for the FX-6120 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-3330S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-6120 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330S scores 3,915 against the FX-6120's 3,853 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i5-3330S. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330S vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6120.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	FX-6120
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	4.2 GHz+31%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	6 MB+2300%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	3,915+2%	3,853

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3330S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6120 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	FX-6120
Socket	LGA1155	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3330S was priced at $231, while the FX-6120 came in at $188. On launch pricing ($231 vs $188), FX-6120 was $43 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330S delivers 16.9 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the FX-6120 — making the FX-6120 the 18.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	FX-6120
MSRP	$231	$188-19%
Performance per Dollar	16.9	20.5+21%
Release Date	2012	2012

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