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. The FX-8120 is positioned at rank #567 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-8120

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

9690%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

9156%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

6648%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2003%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1586%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1388%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

795%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

784%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

714%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

714%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

706%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

687%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

678%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

675%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

669%

#567

FX-8120

MSRP: $205|Avg: $40

100%

#568

Core i3-7100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $39

100%

#569

Pentium E2220

MSRP: $32|Avg: $32

100%

#571

Pentium G620T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $90

100%

#572

Pentium G4500T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $20

99%

#573

Core i5-7500

MSRP: $199|Avg: $65

99%

#574

Core i7-7700

MSRP: $272|Avg: $102

99%

#575

Celeron G1610T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

99%

#576

Athlon X4 750K

MSRP: $91|Avg: $17

98%

#577

Core i7-7700K

MSRP: $305|Avg: $140

98%

#578

Core i5-7600K

MSRP: $217|Avg: $84

98%

#579

FX-6300

MSRP: $132|Avg: $35

97%

#581

Core i3-6100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $20

97%

#582

Athlon X4 970

MSRP: $85|Avg: $85

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for FX-8120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #567 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#567
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