Ryzen 7 5800X vs FX-8120
Ryzen 7 5800X
FX-8120
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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 Ryzen 7 5800X
Performance Per Dollar FX-8120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 7 5800X | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 7 5800X | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+7%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ 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 Ryzen 7 5800X and FX-8120
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.
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 Ryzen 7 5800X packs 8 cores / 16 threads, matching the FX-8120's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X versus 4 GHz on the FX-8120 — a 16.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 5800X (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Ryzen 7 5800X uses the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture (7 nm, 12 nm), while the FX-8120 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 7 5800X scores 27,712 against the FX-8120's 6,594 — a 123.1% lead for the Ryzen 7 5800X. L3 cache: 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 5800X vs 8192 kB on the FX-8120.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 5800X | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+18% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+23% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB+300% | 8192 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 8192 kB+1500% |
| Process | 7 nm, 12 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 27,712+320% | 6,594 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 7 5800X uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the FX-8120 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 5800X | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+100% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 24 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (Ryzen 7 5800X) / not specified (FX-8120). Primary use case: Ryzen 7 5800X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 5800X | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 7 5800X launched at $449 MSRP, while the FX-8120 debuted at $205. At current prices ($180 vs $40), the FX-8120 is $140 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 7 5800X delivers 154.0 pts/$ vs 164.8 pts/$ for the FX-8120 — making the FX-8120 the 6.8% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 5800X | FX-8120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $449 | $205-54% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180 | $40-78% |
| Performance per Dollar | 154.0 | 164.8+7% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2011 |
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