Core i7-3612QE vs FX-8320E
Core i7-3612QE
FX-8320E
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 i7-3612QE is positioned at rank 1042 and the FX-8320E is on rank 555, so the FX-8320E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3612QE
Performance Per Dollar FX-8320E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3612QE | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3612QE | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+19%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
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 i7-3612QE and FX-8320E
Core i7-3612QE
The Core i7-3612QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,929 points. Launch price was $69.
FX-8320E
The FX-8320E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,960 points. Launch price was $147.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3612QE packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8320E offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8320E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QE versus 4 GHz on the FX-8320E — a 25.4% clock advantage for the FX-8320E (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-3612QE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8320E uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3612QE scores 4,929 against the FX-8320E's 4,960 — a 0.6% lead for the FX-8320E. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 640 vs 439, a 37.3% lead for the Core i7-3612QE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,200 vs 1,734 (23.7% advantage for the Core i7-3612QE).
| Feature | Core i7-3612QE | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 4 GHz+29% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.2 GHz+52% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 4,929 | 4,960 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 640+46% | 439 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,200+27% | 1,734 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3612QE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8320E uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The FX-8320E supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-3612QE) vs 0 (FX-8320E) — the Core i7-3612QE offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM76,QM77 (Core i7-3612QE) and AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8320E).
| Feature | Core i7-3612QE | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the FX-8320E has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3612QE) vs AMD-V (FX-8320E). The Core i7-3612QE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-8320E requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QE targets Industrial/Embedded.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QE | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Industrial/Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3612QE launched at $426 MSRP, while the FX-8320E debuted at $147. At current prices ($50 vs $60), the Core i7-3612QE is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3612QE delivers 98.6 pts/$ vs 82.7 pts/$ for the FX-8320E — making the Core i7-3612QE the 17.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QE | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $426 | $147-65% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-17% | $60 |
| Performance per Dollar | 98.6+19% | 82.7 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2014 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-3612QE and FX-8320E
