FX-6300
CPU·Budget

FX-6300

AMD

PassMark

4,137

MSRP

$132

AVG Price

$35

23 October 2012 (13 years ago)
95 Watt
Vishera (2012−2015)

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-6300 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 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 4,137 points. Launch price was $132.

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-6300

#263
Athlon X4 830
MSRP: $70|Avg: $25
102%
#264
Core i7-12700K
MSRP: $409|Avg: $285
102%
#265
Athlon II X3 445
MSRP: $87|Avg: $15
102%
#266
Core i9-13900KF
MSRP: $599|Avg: $480
102%
#267
Core i7-12700
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
102%
#268
Core Ultra 5 245T
MSRP: $270|Avg: $270
102%
#269
Pentium G4500T
MSRP: $75|Avg: $20
101%
#270
FX-4300
MSRP: $122|Avg: $25
101%
#271
Athlon 5350
MSRP: $55|Avg: $15
101%
#272
Core i5-8500
MSRP: $192|Avg: $80
101%
#273
Athlon II X4 645
MSRP: $126|Avg: $20
100%
#274
Core i5-2500K
MSRP: $225|Avg: $35
100%
#275
Core i5-9400F
MSRP: $182|Avg: $80
100%
#276
Core i5-11400
MSRP: $182|Avg: $141
100%
#277
Core i5-3470S
MSRP: $184|Avg: $37
100%
#278
FX-6300
MSRP: $132|Avg: $35
100%
#279
Celeron G540
MSRP: $42|Avg: $10
100%
#280
Core i5-13600K
MSRP: $329|Avg: $319
100%
#281
Core i5-13500
MSRP: $242|Avg: $264
100%
#282
Ryzen 7 8700G
MSRP: $329|Avg: $269
100%
#283
Core i7-14700
MSRP: $384|Avg: $348
100%
#284
Athlon 64 X2 4000+
MSRP: $328|Avg: $10
99%
#285
Core 2 Duo E6400
MSRP: $183|Avg: $10
99%
#286
Pentium E6500
MSRP: $84|Avg: $10
99%
#287
Ryzen 5 2500X
MSRP: $159|Avg: $80
99%
#288
Athlon Gold PRO 3150GE
MSRP: $100|Avg: $60
99%
#289
Core i9-13900K
MSRP: $599|Avg: $500
99%
#290
Core i7-6700T
MSRP: $303|Avg: $60
99%
#291
Core 2 Duo E4500
MSRP: $133|Avg: $10
99%
#292
Core i7-4790S
MSRP: $312|Avg: $60
98%
#293
Core i3-14100
MSRP: $134|Avg: $131
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of FX-6300 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The FX-6300 is a 6-core / 6-thread processor based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 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 6144 kB of L2 cache and 288 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,137, 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 534.

SpecificationFX-6300
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units6C / 6T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designVishera (2012−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores8192 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data6144 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache288 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor315 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,200 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)71 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score4,137
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming534
🧠

Memory & Platform

The FX-6300 fits into the AM3+ socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-1866 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).

SpecificationFX-6300
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredAM3+
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3-1866
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNo
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUAMD 990FX,AMD 970
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

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).

SpecificationFX-6300
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyAMD-V
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The FX-6300 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. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

SpecificationFX-6300
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload95 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)71 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxYes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $35 (MSRP: $132), the FX-6300 delivers 118 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1993 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationFX-6300
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$132
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$35
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$132
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1993
Release DateLaunch date23 October 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)GlobalFoundries

Our Recommendation for FX-6300

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