AMD FX-8120
AMD FX-8120: A Comprehensive Review of an Obsolete Eight-Core Processor (2025)
Current as of April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Bulldozer Architecture and Its Features
The AMD FX-8120 processor, released in 2011, became part of the FX lineup based on the Bulldozer architecture (codename Zambezi). This 32nm chip has 8 cores and 8 threads but features an unusual modular structure: two cores share a common module, including the instruction decoder and L2 cache. This design allowed AMD to increase the number of cores but negatively impacted single-threaded performance.
Key Parameters:
- Clock Speed: 3.1 GHz (base), up to 4.0 GHz in Turbo Core.
- Cache: 8 MB L3 + 8 MB L2 (2 MB per module).
- TDP: 125 W — one of the most "power-hungry" CPUs of its generation.
- Graphics: None (discrete graphics card required).
Performance in 2025:
- Geekbench 6: 437 (Single-Core), 1637 (Multi-Core). For comparison, the budget Ryzen 3 7300 (2023) scores around ~1800/6000 points.
- In multi-threaded tasks (rendering, encoding), the FX-8120 even lags behind modern 4-core CPUs due to its outdated architecture.
Features:
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking.
- Support for AMD Turbo Core, AVX, AES-NI technologies.
2. Compatible Motherboards: AM3+ Socket and Chipsets
The FX-8120 uses the AM3+ socket, which is incompatible with modern platforms (AM4/AM5).
Recommended Chipsets:
- 990FX: The best choice for overclocking (e.g., ASUS Crosshair V Formula).
- 970/980G: Budget options (Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P).
Selection Tips for 2025:
- New AM3+ motherboards are no longer produced. Prices for remaining stock: $80–150 (e.g., ASRock 990FX Extreme3).
- Check for 125 W TDP support in the motherboard specifications — weak VRMs may overheat.
3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The FX-8120 operates with DDR3, officially supporting frequencies up to 1866 MHz (depending on the motherboard).
Recommendations:
- Use dual-channel kits (2×8 GB) to increase bandwidth.
- Example: Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3-1866 (≈$50 for 16 GB).
Important: DDR4/DDR5 is not supported!
4. Power Supply Units: Minimum 500W
With a TDP of 125 W and no integrated graphics, a system with the FX-8120 consumes:
- Without a discrete graphics card: ~200 W.
- With a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1660: ~350 W.
Recommended PSUs:
- Minimum 500 W (e.g., Corsair CX550M, $70).
- For overclocking or a powerful graphics card — 650 W and above (Seasonic Focus GX-650, $100).
5. Pros and Cons of FX-8120 in 2025
Pros:
- Low second-hand market price ($20–40 for used units).
- Upgrade option for old AM3+ systems.
- Overclocking potential (up to 4.5 GHz with good cooling).
Cons:
- Low energy efficiency.
- Lack of support for PCIe 4.0, NVMe, USB 3.2.
- Weak performance in gaming and single-threaded applications.
6. Use Cases: Who is the FX-8120 Relevant For?
- Office Tasks and Web Surfing: Capable of handling office suites but struggles with multiple tabs in Chrome.
- Media Center: Can connect to a TV via HDMI (with an external graphics card) for streaming video.
- Server Tasks: NAS or home server potential thanks to 8 cores (though high energy consumption is a downside).
- Educational Projects: Good for teaching PC building or basic overclocking concepts.
Gaming: Only suitable for older titles (e.g., GTA V on low settings) or cloud gaming.
7. Comparison with Competitors
- Intel Core i7-2600K (2011): Better in single-threaded tasks (+30% in Geekbench 6 Single-Core), but more expensive on the second-hand market ($50–70).
- AMD Ryzen 3 1200 (2017): Even budget 4-core Ryzen outperforms FX-8120 by 50% in multi-threading.
- Modern Analogues: Intel Core i3-13100 (2023) for $120 — three times faster in Single-Core.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- Cooling: Coolers like the DeepCool Gammaxx 400 ($25) or liquid cooling (Corsair H60, $80).
- Graphics Card: Do not overload the system — GTX 1650 or RX 6400 would be optimal.
- Storage: Use SATA SSD (e.g., Crucial MX500) — NVMe is not supported.
- Upgrade: Consider switching to AM4 (Ryzen 5 5500 + motherboard for $200) for a significant performance boost.
9. Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the FX-8120?
This processor is a relic of its era, having limited value in 2025:
- Enthusiasts: For experiments with overclocking or retro builds.
- Owners of Old PCs: A temporary upgrade for AM3+ systems before moving to a modern platform.
- Budget Builds: If there is free access to components.
Why Newcomers Should Avoid Purchasing FX-8120? Even $150 spent on a used Ryzen 5 1600 + motherboard will yield vastly better performance and upgrade potential.
Conclusion: The AMD FX-8120 is an intriguing artifact for IT archeologists but is not a practical solution for everyday tasks. It should only be considered in very specific scenarios or as a temporary solution.