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-8100 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,095 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The FX-8100 is positioned at rank #928 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-8100

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

22836%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

21578%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

15667%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

4720%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

3739%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

3271%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1873%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1849%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1683%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1683%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1664%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1619%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1597%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1590%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1576%

#302

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

99%

#303

Core i7-5960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $83

98%

#928

FX-8100

MSRP: $300|Avg: $50

100%

#930

Celeron E1400

MSRP: $53|Avg: $63

99%

#932

Pentium E6800

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

98%

#933

Core i3-530

MSRP: $113|Avg: $15

98%

#935

Athlon II X3 405e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

98%

#936

Core i3-2105

MSRP: $138|Avg: $30

98%

#937

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

97%

#938

Athlon II X3 400e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

97%

#939

Athlon II X2 245e

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

96%

#940

Core i3-3220T

MSRP: $149|Avg: $146

96%

#941

Athlon II X2 240e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $77

96%

#942

Pentium G630T

MSRP: $79|Avg: $15

96%

#943

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

MSRP: $990|Avg: $175

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for FX-8100 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of FX-8100 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The FX-8100 is a 8-core / 8-thread processor based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 8 MB of L2 cache and 384 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,095, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 455, while multi-core reaches 1,621.

Specification	FX-8100
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 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	8 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	384 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	4,095
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	455
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,621

🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-8100 fits into the AM3+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	FX-8100
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	AM3+
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	AMD 990FX,AMD 970
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: AMD-V — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	FX-8100
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The FX-8100 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Aftermarket Air Cooler.

Specification	FX-8100
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Aftermarket Air Cooler

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $300), the FX-8100 delivers 82 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #928 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2002 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	FX-8100
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$300
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#928
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2002
Release DateLaunch date	12 October 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD