FX-8320E vs Ryzen 5 3600
FX-8320E
Ryzen 5 3600
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-8320E is positioned at rank #555 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-8320E
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-8320E | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-8320E | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+167%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
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 Ryzen 5 3600
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.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The FX-8320E packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the FX-8320E has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the FX-8320E versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The FX-8320E uses the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the FX-8320E scores 4,960 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 112.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 439 vs 1,295, a 98.7% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,734 vs 1,898 (9% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | FX-8320E | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.2 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | — | 32 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 8192 kB+1500% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Vishera (2012−2015) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 4,960 | 17,685+257% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 439 | 1,295+195% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,734 | 1,898+9% |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8320E uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the FX-8320E versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 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: 0 (FX-8320E) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8320E) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | FX-8320E | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0 | 24 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (FX-8320E) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | FX-8320E | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
The FX-8320E launched at $147 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($60 vs $80), the FX-8320E is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-8320E delivers 82.7 pts/$ vs 221.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 91.1% better value option.
| Feature | FX-8320E | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $147-26% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60-25% | $80 |
| Performance per Dollar | 82.7 | 221.1+167% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2019 |
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