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-6120 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,853 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The FX-6120 is positioned at rank #787 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-6120

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

15213%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

14375%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

10437%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3144%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2491%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2179%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1248%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1232%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1121%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1121%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1109%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1079%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1064%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1059%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1050%

#294

Core i9-7920X

MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236

96%

#393

Core i3-9300T

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

100%

#394

Ryzen 3 2200GE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

97%

#787

FX-6120

MSRP: $188|Avg: $54

100%

#788

Core i7-6700TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $175

100%

#790

Athlon II X4 620

MSRP: $99|Avg: $15

100%

#791

Core i7-3820

MSRP: $286|Avg: $30

99%

#792

Athlon II X3 425

MSRP: $79|Avg: $5

99%

#793

Athlon II X2 255

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

98%

#794

Core i3-3245

MSRP: $120|Avg: $50

98%

#796

FX-4170

MSRP: $157|Avg: $23

97%

#798

Athlon II X3 415e

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

96%

#799

Core i5-2300

MSRP: $177|Avg: $17

96%

#800

Core i7-4820K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $40

96%

#802

Core i7-3770K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $75

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of FX-6120 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The FX-6120 is a 6-core / 6-thread processor based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 6 MB of L2 cache and 288 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,853, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	FX-6120
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 6T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Zambezi (2011−2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	6 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	288 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	315 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,200 million
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,853

🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-6120 fits into the AM3+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	FX-6120
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-6120 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	FX-6120
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $54 (MSRP: $188), the FX-6120 delivers 71 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #787 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2036 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	FX-6120
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$188
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$54
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#787
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2036
Release DateLaunch date	23 October 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD