Core i7-2675QM vs FX-6120

Core i7-2675QM vs FX-6120 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2675QM

4 / 8

3,913

+1.6%

3,853

0.0%

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 i7-2675QM vs FX-6120 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 i7-2675QM vs FX-6120: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2675QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while FX-6120 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.4 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $188 MSRP).

FX-6120

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $190 less on MSRP ($188 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 98.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.5 vs 10.4 PassMark/$ ($188 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2675QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,853 vs 3,913).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2675QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2675QM better than FX-6120?

Yes. Core i7-2675QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2675QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.4% 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, Core i7-2675QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-2675QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2675QM comes in 101.1% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $188 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. FX-6120 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 98.0% better value on paper (20.5 vs 10.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.

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

FX-6120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2675QM vs FX-6120 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2675QM

The Core i7-2675QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,913 points. Launch price was $378.

FX-6120

The FX-6120 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 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: 3,853 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2675QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-6120 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-2675QM versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6120 — a 30.1% clock advantage for the FX-6120 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-2675QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-6120 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2675QM scores 3,913 against the FX-6120's 3,853 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-2675QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2675QM vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6120.

Feature	Core i7-2675QM	FX-6120
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	4.2 GHz+35%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+64%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+4167%	6 MB
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark	3,913+2%	3,853

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2675QM uses the FCBGA1224 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-6120 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2675QM	FX-6120
Socket	FCBGA1224	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i7-2675QM) / not specified (FX-6120). The Core i7-2675QM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the FX-6120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2675QM targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i7-2675QM	FX-6120
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Mobile	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2675QM was priced at $378, while the FX-6120 came in at $188. On launch pricing ($378 vs $188), FX-6120 was $190 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2675QM delivers 10.4 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the FX-6120 — making the FX-6120 the 65.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2675QM	FX-6120
MSRP	$378	$188-50%
Performance per Dollar	10.4	20.5+97%
Release Date	2011	2012

Search Core i7-2675QM on Amazon

Search FX-6120 on Amazon

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.