FX-8100 vs Core i5-3330
FX-8100
Core i5-3330
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-8100 is positioned at rank 928 and the Core i5-3330 is on rank 736, so the Core i5-3330 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-8100
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3330
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-8100 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($21) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-8100 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+138%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) | ✅ More affordable ($21) |
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-8100 and Core i5-3330
FX-8100
The FX-8100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,095 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i5-3330
The Core i5-3330 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 3 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): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,100 points. Launch price was $360.
Processing Power
The FX-8100 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-3330 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-8100 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the FX-8100 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the FX-8100 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The FX-8100 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3330 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8100 scores 4,095 against the Core i5-3330's 4,100 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3330. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 455 vs 600, a 27.5% lead for the Core i5-3330 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-8100 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330.
| Feature | FX-8100 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+100% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+16% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3 GHz+7% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 8 MB+3100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,095 | 4,100 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 455 | 600+32% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,621 | — |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8100 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3330 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1866 memory speed. The Core i5-3330 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (FX-8100) vs 16 (Core i5-3330) — the Core i5-3330 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8100) and H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3330).
| Feature | FX-8100 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the FX-8100 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (FX-8100) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3330). The Core i5-3330 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the FX-8100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3330 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3330 rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | FX-8100 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2500 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-8100 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core i5-3330 debuted at $182. At current prices ($50 vs $21), the Core i5-3330 is $29 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8100 delivers 81.9 pts/$ vs 195.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-3330 — making the Core i5-3330 the 81.8% better value option.
| Feature | FX-8100 | Core i5-3330 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $182-39% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | $21-58% |
| Performance per Dollar | 81.9 | 195.2+138% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2012 |
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