Core i7-3770T vs FX-8320

Intel

Core i7-3770T

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2012
VS
AMD

FX-8320

8 Cores8 Thrd125 WWMax: 4 GHz2012

Core i7-3770T 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 i7-3770T 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 i7-3770T 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 i7-3770T

2012

Why buy it

  • βœ…+59.6% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • βœ…Draws 45W instead of 125W, a 80W reduction.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while FX-8320 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8320 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.4 vs 32.4 PassMark/$ ($278 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).

FX-8320

2012

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Costs $109 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 66.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.4 vs 19.4 PassMark/$ ($169 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,791 vs 2,859).
  • ❌177.8% higher power demand at 125W vs 45W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3770T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8320 better than Core i7-3770T?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-8320 is ahead with a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3770T pulls ahead with 59.6% better Geekbench multi-core.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3770T is the stronger fit. You are getting 59.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 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 $109 cheaper on MSRP at $169 MSRP versus $278 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-3770T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 59.6% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 66.6% better value on MSRP (32.4 vs 19.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
FX-8320 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-3770T vs FX-8320 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-3770T

The Core i7-3770T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,403 points. Launch price was $330.

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 i7-3770T 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 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3770T versus 4 GHz on the FX-8320 β€” a 7.8% clock advantage for the FX-8320 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-3770T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8320 uses Vishera (2012βˆ’2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770T scores 5,403 against the FX-8320's 5,472 β€” a 1.3% lead for the FX-8320. Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 850 vs 458, a 59.9% lead for the Core i7-3770T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,859 vs 1,791 (45.9% advantage for the Core i7-3770T).

FeatureCore i7-3770TFX-8320
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
4 GHz+8%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.5 GHz+40%
L3 Cache
8192 kB (total)
β€”
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013)
Vishera (2012βˆ’2015)
PassMark
5,403
5,472+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi
β€”
4,500
Geekbench 6 Single
850+86%
458
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,859+60%
1,791
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8320 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3770T versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8320 β€” the FX-8320 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i7-3770T) and 970,990X,990FX (FX-8320).

FeatureCore i7-3770TFX-8320
Socket
LGA1155
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1866+17%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-3770T) vs AMD-V (FX-8320). The Core i7-3770T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-8320 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: FX-8320 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: FX-8320 rivals Core i5-3570.

FeatureCore i7-3770TFX-8320
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
β€”
Unlocked
β€”
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
Yes
AMD-V
Target Use
β€”
Productivity
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770T was priced at $278, while the FX-8320 came in at $169. On launch pricing ($278 vs $169), FX-8320 was $109 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770T delivers 19.4 pts/$ vs 32.4 pts/$ for the FX-8320 β€” making the FX-8320 the 50% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-3770TFX-8320
MSRP
$278
$169-39%
Performance per Dollar
19.4
32.4+67%
Release Date
2012
2012

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