FX-8120 vs Xeon D-2123IT

FX-8120 vs Xeon D-2123IT Performance Spectrum

FX-8120

8 / 8

6,594

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Xeon D-2123IT

4 / 8

6,689

+1.4%

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-8120 vs Xeon D-2123IT 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-8120 vs Xeon D-2123IT: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

FX-8120

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.2% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,594 vs 6,689).
❌Launch MSRP is still $205 MSRP, while Xeon D-2123IT mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌108.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 60W.

Xeon D-2123IT

2018

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 60W instead of 125W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8120 across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-2123IT better than FX-8120?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-2123IT makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while FX-8120 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 D-2123IT is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon D-2123IT is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon D-2123IT comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $205 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% better PassMark. FX-8120 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (32.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.

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

Xeon D-2123IT makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

FX-8120 vs Xeon D-2123IT Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon D-2123IT

The Xeon D-2123IT is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2518. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,689 points. Launch price was $213.

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Processing Power

The FX-8120 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon D-2123IT offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8120 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the FX-8120 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon D-2123IT — a 28.6% clock advantage for the FX-8120 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The FX-8120 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon D-2123IT uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8120 scores 6,594 against the Xeon D-2123IT's 6,689 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon D-2123IT. L3 cache: 8192 kB on the FX-8120 vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon D-2123IT.

Feature	FX-8120	Xeon D-2123IT
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+100%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4 GHz+33%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+41%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB	8.25 MB+3%
L2 Cache	8192 kB+100%	4 MB
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Zambezi (2011−2012)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	6,594	6,689+1%

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Memory & Platform

The FX-8120 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon D-2123IT uses FCBGA2518 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.