Core i5-8365UE vs FX-8320

Intel

Core i5-8365UE

4 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2019
VS
AMD

FX-8320

8 Cores8 Thrd125 WWMax: 4 GHz2012

Core i5-8365UE vs FX-8320 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 i5-8365UE vs FX-8320 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 i5-8365UE vs FX-8320: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-8365UE

2019

Why buy it

  • βœ…Draws 15W instead of 125W, a 110W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark (5,435 vs 5,472).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.3 vs 32.4 PassMark/$ ($297 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike FX-8320.

FX-8320

2012

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +12.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Costs $128 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 76.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.4 vs 18.3 PassMark/$ ($169 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
  • βœ…100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-8365UE.

Trade-offs

  • ❌733.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8320 better than Core i5-8365UE?
Yes. FX-8320 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-8320 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.6% 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-8320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-8320 is the better buy right now. FX-8320 comes in $128 cheaper on MSRP at $169 MSRP versus $297 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 76.9% better value on MSRP (32.4 vs 18.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-8365UE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-8365UE vs FX-8320 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-8365UE

The Core i5-8365UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018βˆ’2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,435 points. Launch price was $297.

AMD

FX-8320

The FX-8320 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,472 points. Launch price was $149.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i5-8365UE packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8320 offers 8 cores / 8 threads β€” the FX-8320 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8365UE versus 4 GHz on the FX-8320 β€” a 2.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-8365UE (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-8365UE uses the Whiskey Lake-U (2018βˆ’2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8320 uses Vishera (2012βˆ’2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8365UE scores 5,435 against the FX-8320's 5,472 β€” a 0.7% lead for the FX-8320.

FeatureCore i5-8365UEFX-8320
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+2%
4 GHz
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
3.5 GHz+119%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
β€”
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Whiskey Lake-U (2018βˆ’2019)
Vishera (2012βˆ’2015)
PassMark
5,435
5,472
Cinebench R23 Multi
β€”
4,500
Geekbench 6 Single
β€”
458
Geekbench 6 Multi
β€”
1,791
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8365UE uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8320 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-8365UEFX-8320
Socket
FCBGA1528
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
β€”
DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity
β€”
32 GB
RAM Channels
β€”
2
ECC Support
β€”
No
PCIe Lanes
β€”
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-8365UE) / AMD-V (FX-8320). Primary use case: FX-8320 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: FX-8320 rivals Core i5-3570.

FeatureCore i5-8365UEFX-8320
Integrated GPU
β€”
No
Unlocked
β€”
Yes
AVX-512
β€”
No
Virtualization
β€”
AMD-V
Target Use
β€”
Productivity
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-8365UE was priced at $297, while the FX-8320 came in at $169. On launch pricing ($297 vs $169), FX-8320 was $128 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-8365UE delivers 18.3 pts/$ vs 32.4 pts/$ for the FX-8320 β€” making the FX-8320 the 55.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-8365UEFX-8320
MSRP
$297
$169-43%
Performance per Dollar
18.3
32.4+77%
Release Date
2019
2012

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.