Core i5-4590T vs FX-8100

CPU

GPU

Core i5-4590T

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3 GHz2014

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FX-8100

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2011

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Core i5-4590T vs FX-8100 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-4590T

4 / 4

4,064

0.0%

4,095

+0.8%

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 i5-4590T vs FX-8100 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 i5-4590T vs FX-8100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $108 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 55.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.2 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while FX-8100 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,064 vs 4,095).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

FX-8100

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.7 vs 21.2 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4590T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590T.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8100 better than Core i5-4590T?

Yes. FX-8100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, FX-8100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.7% 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-8100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 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-8100 is still the much better call for a fresh build. FX-8100 comes in 56.3% more expensive on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4590T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 55.1% better value on paper (21.2 vs 13.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-4590T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590T vs FX-8100 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590T

The Core i5-4590T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,064 points. Launch price was $192.

FX-8100

The FX-8100 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,095 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4590T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8100 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8100 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-4590T versus 3.7 GHz on the FX-8100 — a 20.9% clock advantage for the FX-8100 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-4590T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590T scores 4,064 against the FX-8100's 4,095 — a 0.8% lead for the FX-8100. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 917 vs 455, a 67.3% lead for the Core i5-4590T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590T vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-8100.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	FX-8100
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.7 GHz+23%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.8 GHz+40%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	8 MB+3100%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	4,064	4,095
Geekbench 6 Single	917+102%	455
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,621

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4590T versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8100 — the FX-8100 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-4590T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-4590T) vs 0 (FX-8100) — the Core i5-4590T offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B85,Q85,H81,Q87,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590T) and AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8100).

Feature	Core i5-4590T	FX-8100
Socket	LGA1150	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1866+17%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the FX-8100 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590T) vs AMD-V (FX-8100). The Core i5-4590T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the FX-8100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590T rivals A8-7600.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	FX-8100
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	AMD-V
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590T was priced at $192, while the FX-8100 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($192 vs $300), Core i5-4590T was $108 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590T delivers 21.2 pts/$ vs 13.7 pts/$ for the FX-8100 — making the Core i5-4590T the 43.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590T	FX-8100
MSRP	$192-36%	$300
Performance per Dollar	21.2+55%	13.7
Release Date	2014	2011

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