
Core i7-4700EQ

FX-8320
Core i7-4700EQ 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 i7-4700EQ 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.

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Valorant

Among Us

Apex Legends

ARC Raiders

Baldur's Gate 3

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i7-4700EQ 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 i7-4700EQ
2013Why buy it
- ✅Draws 47W instead of 125W, a 78W reduction.
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, 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 (5,417 vs 5,472).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.3 vs 32.4 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $169 MSRP).
- ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike FX-8320.
FX-8320
2012Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +12.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅Costs $209 less on MSRP ($169 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
- ✅Delivers 125.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.4 vs 14.3 PassMark/$ ($169 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
- ✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4700EQ.
Trade-offs
- ❌166% higher power demand at 125W vs 47W.
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4700EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
Quick Answers
So, is FX-8320 better than Core i7-4700EQ?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-4700EQ vs FX-8320 Technical Specifications
Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-4700EQ
The Core i7-4700EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,417 points. Launch price was $149.

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 (2012−2015) 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 i7-4700EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8320 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8320 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700EQ versus 4 GHz on the FX-8320 — a 16.2% clock advantage for the FX-8320 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-4700EQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8320 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700EQ scores 5,417 against the FX-8320's 5,472 — a 1% lead for the FX-8320.
| Feature | Core i7-4700EQ | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4 GHz+18% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.5 GHz+46% |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Crystalwell (2013−2014) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 5,417 | 5,472+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 4,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 458 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,791 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4700EQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8320 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4700EQ versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8320 — 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.
| Feature | Core i7-4700EQ | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1364 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | DDR3-1866+17% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | Yes | No |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the FX-8320 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4700EQ) vs AMD-V (FX-8320). The Core i7-4700EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the FX-8320 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4700EQ targets Mobile, FX-8320 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: FX-8320 rivals Core i5-3570.
| Feature | Core i7-4700EQ | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mobile | Productivity |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i7-4700EQ was priced at $378, while the FX-8320 came in at $169. On launch pricing ($378 vs $169), FX-8320 was $209 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4700EQ delivers 14.3 pts/$ vs 32.4 pts/$ for the FX-8320 — making the FX-8320 the 77.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4700EQ | FX-8320 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $169-55% |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.3 | 32.4+127% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 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.
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
















