CPU
GPU
FX-8320
Core i7-2600K
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-8320 is positioned at rank 566 and the Core i7-2600K is on rank 860, so the FX-8320 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-8320
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-8320 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($109) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-8320 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+118%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($109) |
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-8320 and Core i7-2600K
FX-8320
The FX-8320 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,472 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i7-2600K
The Core i7-2600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,484 points. Launch price was $317.
Processing Power
The FX-8320 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-2600K offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8320 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the FX-8320 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K — a 5.1% clock advantage for the FX-8320 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The FX-8320 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2600K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8320 scores 5,472 against the Core i7-2600K's 5,484 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-2600K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 458 vs 707, a 42.7% lead for the Core i7-2600K that directly translates to higher frame rates.
| Feature | FX-8320 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+100% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+5% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+3% | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 8192 kB+3100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Vishera (2012−2015) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,472 | 5,484 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 4,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 458 | 707+54% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,791 | — |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8320 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2600K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1866 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 970,990X,990FX (FX-8320) and P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2600K).
| Feature | FX-8320 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (FX-8320) vs VT-x (Core i7-2600K). The Core i7-2600K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the FX-8320 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: FX-8320 targets Productivity, Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: FX-8320 rivals Core i5-3570; Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.
| Feature | FX-8320 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x |
| Target Use | Productivity | Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-8320 launched at $169 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600K debuted at $317. At current prices ($50 vs $109), the FX-8320 is $59 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8320 delivers 109.4 pts/$ vs 50.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600K — making the FX-8320 the 74% better value option.
| Feature | FX-8320 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $169-47% | $317 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-54% | $109 |
| Performance per Dollar | 109.4+117% | 50.3 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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