Core i5-680 vs FX-4100
Core i5-680
FX-4100
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 i5-680 is positioned at rank 1014 and the FX-4100 is on rank 728, so the FX-4100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-680
Performance Per Dollar FX-4100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-680 | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-680 | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+99%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 i5-680 and FX-4100
Core i5-680
The Core i5-680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,620 points. Launch price was $272.
FX-4100
The FX-4100 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,630 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-680 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.86 GHz on the Core i5-680 versus 3.8 GHz on the FX-4100 — a 1.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-680 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-680 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-4100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-680 scores 2,620 against the FX-4100's 2,630 — a 0.4% lead for the FX-4100. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-680 vs 8192 kB on the FX-4100.
| Feature | Core i5-680 | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.86 GHz+2% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 8192 kB+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4096 kB+1500% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,620 | 2,630 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-680 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-4100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-680 | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-680) / not specified (FX-4100). The Core i5-680 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the FX-4100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-680 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-680 | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-680 launched at $294 MSRP, while the FX-4100 debuted at $115. At current prices ($10 vs $20), the Core i5-680 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-680 delivers 262.0 pts/$ vs 131.5 pts/$ for the FX-4100 — making the Core i5-680 the 66.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-680 | FX-4100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $294 | $115-61% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-50% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 262.0+99% | 131.5 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
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