Core i5-3335S vs FX-6100

Intel

Core i5-3335S

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-6100

6 Cores6 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i5-3335S vs FX-6100 Performance Spectrum

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 i5-3335S 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 i5-3335S 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 i5-3335S

2012

Why buy it

  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,672 vs 3,686).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.3 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $165 MSRP).

FX-6100

2011

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Costs $60 less on MSRP ($165 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 36.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.3 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($165 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6100 better than Core i5-3335S?
Yes. FX-6100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-6100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
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 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-6100 is the better buy right now. FX-6100 comes in $60 cheaper on MSRP at $165 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 36.9% better value on MSRP (22.3 vs 16.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-3335S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3335S vs FX-6100 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-3335S

The Core i5-3335S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 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: 3,672 points. Launch price was $69.

AMD

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 i5-3335S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6100 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3335S versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-6100 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the FX-6100 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-3335S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-6100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3335S scores 3,672 against the FX-6100's 3,686 — a 0.4% lead for the FX-6100. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3335S vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6100.

FeatureCore i5-3335SFX-6100
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.9 GHz+22%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
3.3 GHz+22%
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
3,672
3,686
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3335S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-3335SFX-6100
Socket
LGA1155
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3335S was priced at $225, while the FX-6100 came in at $165. On launch pricing ($225 vs $165), FX-6100 was $60 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3335S delivers 16.3 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the FX-6100 — making the FX-6100 the 31.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-3335SFX-6100
MSRP
$225
$165-27%
Performance per Dollar
16.3
22.3+37%
Release Date
2012
2011

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