FX-8320 vs Ryzen 7 5800X
FX-8320
Popular choices:
Ryzen 7 5800X
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-8320 is positioned at rank #566 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-8320
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 5800X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-8320 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-8320 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+41%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 Ryzen 7 5800X
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.
Ryzen 7 5800X
The Ryzen 7 5800X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 27,712 points. Launch price was $449.
Processing Power
The FX-8320 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Ryzen 7 5800X's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the FX-8320 versus 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X — a 16.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 5800X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The FX-8320 uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8320 scores 5,472 against the Ryzen 7 5800X's 27,712 — a 134% lead for the Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | FX-8320 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.7 GHz+18% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.8 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | — | 32 MB |
| L2 Cache | 8192 kB+1500% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Vishera (2012−2015) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 5,472 | 27,712+406% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 4,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 458 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,791 | — |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8320 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the FX-8320 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 5800X — the Ryzen 7 5800X supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 5800X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (FX-8320) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 5800X) — the Ryzen 7 5800X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: 970,990X,990FX (FX-8320) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 5800X).
| Feature | FX-8320 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AMD-V virtualization. Primary use case: FX-8320 targets Productivity, Ryzen 7 5800X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: FX-8320 rivals Core i5-3570.
| Feature | FX-8320 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Productivity | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-8320 launched at $169 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 5800X debuted at $449. At current prices ($50 vs $180), the FX-8320 is $130 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8320 delivers 109.4 pts/$ vs 154.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 5800X — making the Ryzen 7 5800X the 33.8% better value option.
| Feature | FX-8320 | Ryzen 7 5800X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $169-62% | $449 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-72% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 109.4 | 154.0+41% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2020 |
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