CPU
GPU
FX-6120
Core i5-2400
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-6120 is positioned at rank 787 and the Core i5-2400 is on rank 772, so the Core i5-2400 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-6120
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-6120 | Core i5-2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($54) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-6120 | Core i5-2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+117%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($54) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
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-6120 and Core i5-2400
FX-6120
The FX-6120 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,853 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i5-2400
The Core i5-2400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,870 points. Launch price was $60.
Processing Power
The FX-6120 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Core i5-2400 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-6120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-6120 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-2400 — a 21.1% clock advantage for the FX-6120 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The FX-6120 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-2400 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-6120 scores 3,853 against the Core i5-2400's 3,870 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2400. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-6120 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2400.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Core i5-2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6+50% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+24% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+16% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6144 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,853 | 3,870 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 595 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-6120 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2400 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Core i5-2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-6120) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2400). The Core i5-2400 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the FX-6120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2400 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2400 rivals Phenom II X4 975.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Core i5-2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-6120 launched at $188 MSRP, while the Core i5-2400 debuted at $184. At current prices ($54 vs $25), the Core i5-2400 is $29 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-6120 delivers 71.4 pts/$ vs 154.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-2400 — making the Core i5-2400 the 73.8% better value option.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Core i5-2400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $188 | $184-2% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $54 | $25-54% |
| Performance per Dollar | 71.4 | 154.8+117% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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