FX-4320 vs Core i7-870
FX-4320
Core i7-870
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-4320 is positioned at rank 950 and the Core i7-870 is on rank 987, so the FX-4320 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-4320
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-870
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-4320 | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-4320 | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+26%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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-4320 and Core i7-870
FX-4320
The FX-4320 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 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4096 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,150 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i7-870
The Core i7-870 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 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 3,164 points. Launch price was $305.
Processing Power
The FX-4320 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-870's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the FX-4320 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 13% clock advantage for the FX-4320 (base: 4 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The FX-4320 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the FX-4320 scores 3,150 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-870. L3 cache: 4096 kB on the FX-4320 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870.
| Feature | FX-4320 | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+14% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+37% | 2.93 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4096 kB | 8 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 4096 kB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Vishera (2012−2015) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,150 | 3,164 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 476 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,541 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-4320 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-870 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-4320 | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-4320) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870). Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop.
| Feature | FX-4320 | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-4320 launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i7-870 debuted at $300. At current prices ($100 vs $80), the Core i7-870 is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-4320 delivers 31.5 pts/$ vs 39.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-870 — making the Core i7-870 the 22.7% better value option.
| Feature | FX-4320 | Core i7-870 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250-17% | $300 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100 | $80-20% |
| Performance per Dollar | 31.5 | 39.5+25% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2009 |
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