FX-6120 vs Core i5-3330S
FX-6120
Core i5-3330S
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 i5-3330S is on rank 866, so the FX-6120 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 i5-3330S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-6120 | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($54) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-6120 | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+83%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($54) | ✅ More affordable ($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-6120 and Core i5-3330S
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 i5-3330S
The Core i5-3330S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,915 points. Launch price was $231.
Processing Power
The FX-6120 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Core i5-3330S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-6120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-6120 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S — a 27% clock advantage for the FX-6120 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The FX-6120 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3330S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the FX-6120 scores 3,853 against the Core i5-3330S's 3,915 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i5-3330S. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-6120 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330S.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6+50% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+31% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+33% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,853 | 3,915+2% |
Memory & Platform
The FX-6120 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3330S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The FX-6120 launched at $188 MSRP, while the Core i5-3330S debuted at $231. At current prices ($54 vs $30), the Core i5-3330S is $24 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-6120 delivers 71.4 pts/$ vs 130.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-3330S — making the Core i5-3330S the 58.6% better value option.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $188-19% | $231 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $54 | $30-44% |
| Performance per Dollar | 71.4 | 130.5+83% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on FX-6120 and Core i5-3330S
