FX-8120 vs Core i3-9100
FX-8120
Core i3-9100
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-8120 is positioned at rank #567 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-8120
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-8120 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-8120 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+213%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
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-8120 and Core i3-9100
FX-8120
The FX-8120 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,594 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i3-9100
The Core i3-9100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,586 points. Launch price was $122.
Processing Power
The FX-8120 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-9100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-8120 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the FX-8120 versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100 — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-9100 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The FX-8120 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-9100 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8120 scores 6,594 against the Core i3-9100's 6,586 — a 0.1% lead for the FX-8120. L3 cache: 8192 kB on the FX-8120 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100.
| Feature | FX-8120 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+100% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.2 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+16% |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 8192 kB+3100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 6,594 | 6,586 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8120 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-9100 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-8120 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
Value Analysis
The FX-8120 launched at $205 MSRP, while the Core i3-9100 debuted at $122. At current prices ($40 vs $125), the FX-8120 is $85 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8120 delivers 164.8 pts/$ vs 52.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-9100 — making the FX-8120 the 103.1% better value option.
| Feature | FX-8120 | Core i3-9100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $205 | $122-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-68% | $125 |
| Performance per Dollar | 164.8+213% | 52.7 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2019 |
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