CPU
GPU
FX-6120
Ryzen 5 3600
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. The FX-6120 is positioned at rank #787 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-6120
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-6120 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($54) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-6120 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+210%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($54) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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-6120 and Ryzen 5 3600
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.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The FX-6120 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, matching the Ryzen 5 3600's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-6120 versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The FX-6120 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the FX-6120 scores 3,853 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 128.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-6120 vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+300% |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+1100% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 3,853 | 17,685+359% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-6120 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 24 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-6120) / Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The FX-6120 launched at $188 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($54 vs $80), the FX-6120 is $26 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-6120 delivers 71.4 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 102.4% better value option.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $188-6% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $54-33% | $80 |
| Performance per Dollar | 71.4 | 221.1+210% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2019 |
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