FX-6120 vs Ryzen 7 7800X3D
FX-6120
Popular choices:
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
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 7 7800X3D
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-6120 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($54) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($384) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-6120 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+25%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($54) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($384) |
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 7 7800X3D
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 7 7800X3D
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 96 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200. Passmark benchmark score: 34,293 points. Launch price was $449.
Processing Power
The FX-6120 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 7800X3D has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the FX-6120 versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The FX-6120 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) (5 nm). In PassMark, the FX-6120 scores 3,853 against the Ryzen 7 7800X3D's 34,293 — a 159.6% lead for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-6120 vs 96 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 8 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 5 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz+22% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 96 MB (total)+1100% |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+500% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 5 nm-84% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Raphael (Zen4) (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 3,853 | 34,293+790% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 18,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 15,000 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-6120 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D uses AM5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | AM5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR5-5200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 28 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-6120) / AMD-V (Ryzen 7 7800X3D). The Ryzen 7 7800X3D includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core)), while the FX-6120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 7800X3D targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Ryzen 7 7800X3D rivals Intel Core i7-14700K.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | AMD Radeon Graphics (2-core) |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | — | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The FX-6120 launched at $188 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D debuted at $449. At current prices ($54 vs $384), the FX-6120 is $330 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-6120 delivers 71.4 pts/$ vs 89.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D — making the Ryzen 7 7800X3D the 22.3% better value option.
| Feature | FX-6120 | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $188-58% | $449 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $54-86% | $384 |
| Performance per Dollar | 71.4 | 89.3+25% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2023 |
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