Core i5-13600K vs FX-8120
Core i5-13600K
FX-8120
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Per Dollar FX-8120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+40%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
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 Core i5-13600K and FX-8120
Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
FX-8120
The FX-8120 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,594 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the FX-8120 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K versus 4 GHz on the FX-8120 — a 24.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-13600K uses the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the FX-8120 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the FX-8120's 6,594 — a 140.4% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 8192 kB on the FX-8120.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+75% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+27% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+13% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB+200% | 8192 kB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 8192 kB+300% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 37,655+471% | 6,594 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the FX-8120 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) / not specified (FX-8120). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the FX-8120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the FX-8120 debuted at $205. At current prices ($319 vs $40), the FX-8120 is $279 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600K delivers 118.0 pts/$ vs 164.8 pts/$ for the FX-8120 — making the FX-8120 the 33.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $205-38% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $319 | $40-87% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.0 | 164.8+40% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2011 |
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