Core i5-7600 vs FX-8120
Core i5-7600
FX-8120
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 i5-7600 is positioned at rank 606 and the FX-8120 is on rank 567, so the FX-8120 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7600
Performance Per Dollar FX-8120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7600 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($114) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7600 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+186%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($114) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
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 i5-7600 and FX-8120
Core i5-7600
The Core i5-7600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,568 points. Launch price was $224.
FX-8120
The FX-8120 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,594 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-7600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8120 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8120 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-7600 versus 4 GHz on the FX-8120 — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-7600 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-7600 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8120 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7600 scores 6,568 against the FX-8120's 6,594 — a 0.4% lead for the FX-8120. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7600 vs 8192 kB on the FX-8120.
| Feature | Core i5-7600 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+2% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+13% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8192 kB+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 6,568 | 6,594 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,307 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-7600 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8120 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-7600 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7600) / not specified (FX-8120). The Core i5-7600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the FX-8120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7600 rivals Ryzen 5 1500X.
| Feature | Core i5-7600 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7600 launched at $224 MSRP, while the FX-8120 debuted at $205. At current prices ($114 vs $40), the FX-8120 is $74 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7600 delivers 57.6 pts/$ vs 164.8 pts/$ for the FX-8120 — making the FX-8120 the 96.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7600 | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $224 | $205-8% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $114 | $40-65% |
| Performance per Dollar | 57.6 | 164.8+186% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2011 |
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