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. 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

#579

Core i5-10500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $178

103%

#580

Celeron G6900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $50

103%

#581

Core i9-10850K

MSRP: $453|Avg: $300

103%

#582

Pentium E5700

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

102%

#583

Core i9-13900E

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

102%

#584

Core i9-9820X

MSRP: $889|Avg: $280

102%

#585

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

102%

#586

Athlon II X4 620e

MSRP: $99|Avg: $40

102%

#587

Phenom X3 8750

MSRP: $195|Avg: $20

101%

#588

Core i9-9900X

MSRP: $989|Avg: $300

101%

#589

Athlon II X2 250

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

101%

#590

Core i7-9700K

MSRP: $385|Avg: $200

101%

#591

Athlon II X2 235e

MSRP: $69|Avg: $15

101%

#592

Core i5-4570T

MSRP: $195|Avg: $45

100%

#593

Core i7-4770K

MSRP: $339|Avg: $100

100%

#594

FX-6120

MSRP: $188|Avg: $54

100%

#595

Core i3-10320

MSRP: $154|Avg: $140

100%

#596

Core i5-9600KF

MSRP: $262|Avg: $150

99%

#597

Pentium G3430

MSRP: $116|Avg: $30

99%

#598

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE

MSRP: $180|Avg: $180

99%

#599

Pentium D 820

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

99%

#600

Core i7-14701TE

MSRP: $392|Avg: $390

99%

#601

Core i7-975

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

99%

#602

Pentium D 915

MSRP: $74|Avg: $10

99%

#603

Core i9-11900KF

MSRP: $513|Avg: $349

99%

#604

Core i3-12100TE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

98%

#605

Athlon Silver 3050GE

MSRP: $75|Avg: $65

98%

#606

Core i7-9700E

MSRP: $259|Avg: $180

98%

#607

Core i3-4340

MSRP: $149|Avg: $50

98%

#608

Core 2 Duo E6550

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

98%

#609

Core i7-11700K

MSRP: $399|Avg: $350

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for FX-6120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. 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
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