FX-8140 vs Core i7-3612QE
FX-8140
Core i7-3612QE
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 i7-3612QE is on rank 1042, so the FX-8140 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 i7-3612QE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-8140 | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-8140 | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+143%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
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 i7-3612QE
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 i7-3612QE
The Core i7-3612QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,929 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The FX-8140 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3612QE offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8140 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the FX-8140 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QE — a 27.8% clock advantage for the FX-8140 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The FX-8140 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3612QE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8140 scores 4,860 against the Core i7-3612QE's 4,929 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-3612QE. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the FX-8140 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3612QE.
| Feature | FX-8140 | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+100% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+32% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+52% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6144 kB (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 | 4,860 | 4,929+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 640 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,200 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8140 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3612QE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-8140 | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-8140) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3612QE). The Core i7-3612QE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-8140 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QE targets Industrial/Embedded.
| Feature | FX-8140 | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Industrial/Embedded |
Value Analysis
The FX-8140 launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i7-3612QE debuted at $426. At current prices ($120 vs $50), the Core i7-3612QE is $70 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8140 delivers 40.5 pts/$ vs 98.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QE — making the Core i7-3612QE the 83.5% better value option.
| Feature | FX-8140 | Core i7-3612QE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-47% | $426 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $120 | $50-58% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.5 | 98.6+143% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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