Core i7-4980HQ vs FX-8120
Core i7-4980HQ
FX-8120
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 i7-4980HQ is positioned at rank 417 and the FX-8120 is on rank 567, so the Core i7-4980HQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4980HQ
Performance Per Dollar FX-8120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4980HQ | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Crystalwell (2013−2014) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4980HQ | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
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 i7-4980HQ and FX-8120
Core i7-4980HQ
The Core i7-4980HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,539 points. Launch price was $623.
FX-8120
The FX-8120 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,594 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-4980HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8120 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8120 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-4980HQ versus 4 GHz on the FX-8120 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-4980HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8120 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4980HQ scores 6,539 against the FX-8120's 6,594 — a 0.8% lead for the FX-8120. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4980HQ vs 8192 kB on the FX-8120.
| Feature | Core i7-4980HQ | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.1 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8192 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Crystalwell (2013−2014) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 6,539 | 6,594 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4980HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8120 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-4980HQ | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1364 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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