Core i7-860 vs FX-4300

Core i7-860 vs FX-4300 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-860

4 / 8

3,011

+0.5%

2,995

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

Ryzen AI Max 390

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i7-860 vs FX-4300 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 i7-860 vs FX-4300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-860

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.6 vs 24.5 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).

FX-4300

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $162 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 131.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.5 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,995 vs 3,011).

Quick Answers

So, is FX-4300 better than Core i7-860?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-4300 is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-860 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-860 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

FX-4300 is the better buy right now. FX-4300 comes in $162 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $284 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-860 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 131.5% better value on MSRP (24.5 vs 10.6 PassMark/$), 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-4300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-860 vs FX-4300 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-860

The Core i7-860 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,011 points. Launch price was $229.

FX-4300

The FX-4300 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,995 points. Launch price was $122.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-860 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the FX-4300's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860 versus 4 GHz on the FX-4300 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the FX-4300 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-860 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the FX-4300 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-860 scores 3,011 against the FX-4300's 2,995 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-860.

Feature	Core i7-860	FX-4300
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz	4 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.8 GHz+36%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	4096 kB+1500%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	3,011	2,995

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-860 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-4300 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-860	FX-4300
Socket	LGA1156	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-860 was priced at $284, while the FX-4300 came in at $122. On launch pricing ($284 vs $122), FX-4300 was $162 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-860 delivers 10.6 pts/$ vs 24.5 pts/$ for the FX-4300 — making the FX-4300 the 79.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-860	FX-4300
MSRP	$284	$122-57%
Performance per Dollar	10.6	24.5+131%
Release Date	2009	2012

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