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-8320 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,472 points. Launch price was $149.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The FX-8320 is positioned at rank #566 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-8320

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

9627%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

9096%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

6605%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

1990%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1576%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1379%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

790%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

779%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

710%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

710%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

702%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

683%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

673%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

670%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

664%

#566

FX-8320

MSRP: $169|Avg: $50

100%

#567

FX-8120

MSRP: $205|Avg: $40

99%

#568

Core i3-7100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $39

99%

#569

Pentium E2220

MSRP: $32|Avg: $32

99%

#571

Pentium G620T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $90

99%

#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

98%

#575

Celeron G1610T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

98%

#576

Athlon X4 750K

MSRP: $91|Avg: $17

98%

#577

Core i7-7700K

MSRP: $305|Avg: $140

97%

#578

Core i5-7600K

MSRP: $217|Avg: $84

97%

#579

FX-6300

MSRP: $132|Avg: $35

97%

#581

Core i3-6100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $20

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for FX-8320 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of FX-8320 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The FX-8320 is a 8-core / 8-thread processor based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 5,472, 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 458, while multi-core reaches 1,791. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 4,500.

Specification	FX-8320
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Vishera (2012−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	8192 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	5,472
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	4,500
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	458
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,791

🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-8320 fits into the AM3+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 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 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	FX-8320
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	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 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	970,990X,990FX
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The FX-8320 is primarily designed for Productivity. 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). Its primary market competitor is the Core i5-3570.

Specification	FX-8320
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Productivity
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	AMD-V
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Core i5-3570

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The FX-8320 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. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Aftermarket Air/AIO.

Specification	FX-8320
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	125 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	61 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Aftermarket Air/AIO

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $169), the FX-8320 delivers 109 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #566 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1806 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	FX-8320
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$169
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#566
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1806
Release DateLaunch date	23 October 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	AMD