FX-8140 vs Core i3-7320
FX-8140
Core i3-7320
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-8140 is positioned at rank 759 and the Core i3-7320 is on rank 434, so the Core i3-7320 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-8140
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7320
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-8140 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-8140 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+198%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
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-8140 and Core i3-7320
FX-8140
The FX-8140 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 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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: 4,860 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i3-7320
The Core i3-7320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,831 points. Launch price was $157.
Processing Power
The FX-8140 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-7320 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the FX-8140 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the FX-8140 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-7320 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 4.1 GHz). The FX-8140 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-7320 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8140 scores 4,860 against the Core i3-7320's 4,831 — a 0.6% lead for the FX-8140. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-8140 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7320.
| Feature | FX-8140 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+300% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.1 GHz+28% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+100% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 8 MB+3100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,860 | 4,831 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,388 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8140 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-7320 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-8140 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-8140) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7320). The Core i3-7320 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the FX-8140 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7320 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7320 rivals Ryzen 3 1300X.
| Feature | FX-8140 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-8140 launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i3-7320 debuted at $99. At current prices ($120 vs $40), the Core i3-7320 is $80 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8140 delivers 40.5 pts/$ vs 120.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-7320 — making the Core i3-7320 the 99.6% better value option.
| Feature | FX-8140 | Core i3-7320 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $99-56% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $120 | $40-67% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.5 | 120.8+198% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2017 |
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