FX-8120
AMD
PassMark
6,594
MSRP
$205
AVG Price
$40
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.
Overview
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.
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 FX-8120
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for FX-8120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Delta Force
Destiny 2
Garry's Mod
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Naraka: Bladepoint
Once Human
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of FX-8120 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The FX-8120 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 4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 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 8192 kB of L2 cache and 384 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,594, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | FX-8120 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 8C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.1 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 | 8192 kB |
| 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 |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 61 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 6,594 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-8120 fits into the AM3+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | FX-8120 |
|---|---|
| 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-8120 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-8120 |
|---|---|
| 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 $40 (MSRP: $205), the FX-8120 delivers 165 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1633 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | FX-8120 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $205 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $40 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $149 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1633 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 12 October 2011 (14 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2011 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | AMD |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
6 specs
General Information
6 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | AMD |
| Launch Price | $149 |
| Release Date | 12 October 2011 (14 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1633 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 8 |
| Threads | 8 |
| Die Size | 315 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 384 kB |
| L2 Cache | 8192 kB |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB |
| Max Frequency | 4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.1 GHz |
| P0 Vcore Voltage | Min: 1.0125 V - Max: 1.4125 V |
| Transistor Count | 1,200 million |
| Process Technology | 32 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
| Max Core Temperature | 61 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 125 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for FX-8120
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare FX-8120
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