
FX-8320E vs Core i5-3570K

FX-8320E

Core i5-3570K
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-8320E is positioned at rank 555 and the Core i5-3570K is on rank 749, so the FX-8320E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-8320E
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3570K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-8320E | Core i5-3570K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-8320E | Core i5-3570K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+72%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($35) |
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-8320E and Core i5-3570K

FX-8320E
The FX-8320E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,960 points. Launch price was $147.

Core i5-3570K
The Core i5-3570K 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,971 points. Launch price was $235.
Processing Power
The FX-8320E packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-3570K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-8320E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the FX-8320E versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K — a 5.1% clock advantage for the FX-8320E (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The FX-8320E uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3570K uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8320E scores 4,960 against the Core i5-3570K's 4,971 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3570K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 439 vs 1,000, a 78% lead for the Core i5-3570K that directly translates to higher frame rates.
| Feature | FX-8320E | Core i5-3570K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+100% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+5% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | — | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 8192 kB+3100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Vishera (2012−2015) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,960 | 4,971 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 439 | 1,000+128% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,734 | — |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8320E uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3570K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — 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. PCIe lanes: 0 (FX-8320E) vs 16 (Core i5-3570K) — the Core i5-3570K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8320E) and Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3570K).
| Feature | FX-8320E | Core i5-3570K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (FX-8320E) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i5-3570K). The Core i5-3570K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-8320E requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | FX-8320E | Core i5-3570K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-8320E launched at $147 MSRP, while the Core i5-3570K debuted at $225. At current prices ($60 vs $35), the Core i5-3570K is $25 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8320E delivers 82.7 pts/$ vs 142.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-3570K — making the Core i5-3570K the 52.8% better value option.
| Feature | FX-8320E | Core i5-3570K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $147-35% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60 | $35-42% |
| Performance per Dollar | 82.7 | 142.0+72% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2012 |
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