Core i7-4712HQ vs FX-8300

Intel

Core i7-4712HQ

4 Cores8 Thrd37 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-8300

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i7-4712HQ vs FX-8300 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 i7-4712HQ vs FX-8300 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 i7-4712HQ vs FX-8300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4712HQ

2014

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 37W instead of 95W, a 58W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

FX-8300

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +14.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,333 vs 5,350).
  • Launch MSRP is still $197 MSRP, while Core i7-4712HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 156.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 37W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4712HQ better than FX-8300?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-8300 is ahead with a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4712HQ pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4712HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4712HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4712HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $197 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. FX-8300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (27.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?
Core i7-4712HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4712HQ vs FX-8300 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4712HQ

The Core i7-4712HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,350 points. Launch price was $378.

AMD

FX-8300

The FX-8300 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 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: 5,333 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i7-4712HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8300 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8300 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4712HQ versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-8300 — a 24% clock advantage for the FX-8300 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-4712HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8300 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4712HQ scores 5,350 against the FX-8300's 5,333 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-4712HQ.

FeatureCore i7-4712HQFX-8300
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz
4.2 GHz+27%
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
3.3 GHz+43%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Crystalwell (2013−2014)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
5,350
5,333
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4712HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8300 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4712HQFX-8300
Socket
BGA1364
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0