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.

Overview

The FX-4170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 February 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,121 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The FX-4170 is positioned at rank #796 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar FX-4170

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

15680%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

14816%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

10758%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3241%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2567%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2246%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1286%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1269%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1156%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1156%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1143%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1112%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1096%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1092%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1082%

#294

Core i9-7920X

MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236

99%

#394

Ryzen 3 2200GE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

99%

#796

FX-4170

MSRP: $157|Avg: $23

100%

#798

Athlon II X3 415e

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

99%

#799

Core i5-2300

MSRP: $177|Avg: $17

99%

#800

Core i7-4820K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $40

99%

#802

Core i7-3770K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $75

98%

#803

Core i5-4460T

MSRP: $187|Avg: $30

98%

#804

Core i3-3220

MSRP: $117|Avg: $88

98%

#805

Core i7-3770T

MSRP: $278|Avg: $105

98%

#807

Core i5-7442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $50

97%

#808

Pentium G620

MSRP: $64|Avg: $12

97%

#809

Pentium G645T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for FX-4170 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of FX-4170 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The FX-4170 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.3 GHz from a base frequency of 4.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 8192 kB L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 4096 kB of L2 cache and 192 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,121, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	FX-4170
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	4.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Zambezi (2011−2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8192 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	4096 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	192 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	315 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,200 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	61 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,121

🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-4170 fits into the AM3+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	FX-4170
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM3+
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The FX-4170 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	FX-4170
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	125 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	61 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $23 (MSRP: $157), the FX-4170 delivers 136 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #796 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2216 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	FX-4170
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$157
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$23
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#796
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2216
Release DateLaunch date	27 February 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD