FX-6120 vs Xeon E3-1220

FX-6120 vs Xeon E3-1220 Performance Spectrum

FX-6120

6 / 6

3,853

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Xeon E3-1220

4 / 4

3,859

+0.2%

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.

FX-6120 vs Xeon E3-1220 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

FX-6120 vs Xeon E3-1220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

FX-6120

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,853 vs 3,859).
❌Launch MSRP is still $188 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌18.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 80W.

Xeon E3-1220

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 80W instead of 95W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-6120 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6120 better than Xeon E3-1220?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while FX-6120 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

FX-6120 is the better buy right now. FX-6120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $188 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E3-1220 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

FX-6120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

FX-6120 vs Xeon E3-1220 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

Xeon E3-1220

The Xeon E3-1220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 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: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,859 points. Launch price was $395.

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Processing Power

The FX-6120 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Xeon E3-1220 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 Xeon E3-1220 — 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 Xeon E3-1220 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-6120 scores 3,853 against the Xeon E3-1220's 3,859 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1220. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	FX-6120	Xeon E3-1220
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)	8 MB (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	3,859

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Memory & Platform

The FX-6120 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.