FX-4300 vs Core i7-860
FX-4300
Core i7-860
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 FX-4300 is positioned at rank 696 and the Core i7-860 is on rank 986, so the FX-4300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-4300
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-860
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-4300 | Core i7-860 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-4300 | Core i7-860 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+19%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
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 FX-4300 and Core i7-860
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.
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.
Processing Power
The FX-4300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-860's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the FX-4300 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the FX-4300 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The FX-4300 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-860 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the FX-4300 scores 2,995 against the Core i7-860's 3,011 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-860.
| Feature | FX-4300 | Core i7-860 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+16% | 3.46 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+36% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4096 kB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Vishera (2012−2015) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,995 | 3,011 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-4300 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-860 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-4300 | Core i7-860 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The FX-4300 launched at $122 MSRP, while the Core i7-860 debuted at $284. At current prices ($25 vs $30), the FX-4300 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-4300 delivers 119.8 pts/$ vs 100.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-860 — making the FX-4300 the 17.7% better value option.
| Feature | FX-4300 | Core i7-860 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $122-57% | $284 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-17% | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 119.8+19% | 100.4 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2009 |
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