Processor N97 vs FX-8120
Aggregate performance score
FX-8120 outperforms Processor N97 by a significant 20% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Primary details
Comparing FX-8120 and Processor N97 processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in the ranking | 1382 | 1543 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Market segment | Desktop processor | Laptop |
| Power efficiency | 3.14 | 27.21 |
| Architecture codename | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Alder Lake-N (2023) |
| Release date | 12 October 2011 (13 years ago) | 3 January 2023 (1 year ago) |
Detailed specifications
FX-8120 and Processor N97 basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.
| Physical cores | 8 (Octa-Core) | 4 (Quad-Core) |
| Threads | 8 | 4 |
| Base clock speed | 3.1 GHz | 2 GHz |
| Boost clock speed | 4 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L1 cache | 384 KB | 96 KB (per core) |
| L2 cache | 8192 KB | 2 MB (shared) |
| L3 cache | 8192 KB | 6 MB (shared) |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 10 nm |
| Die size | 315 mm2 | no data |
| Maximum core temperature | 61 °C | 105 °C |
| Number of transistors | 1,200 million | no data |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | - | + |
| Unlocked multiplier | + | - |
| P0 Vcore voltage | Min: 1.0125 V - Max: 1.4125 V | no data |
Compatibility
Information on FX-8120 and Processor N97 compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.
| Number of CPUs in a configuration | 1 | 1 |
| Socket | AM3+ | Intel BGA 1264 |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 125 Watt | 12 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by FX-8120 and Processor N97. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| AES-NI | + | + |
| FMA | + | - |
| AVX | + | + |
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | no data | + |
Security technologies
FX-8120 and Processor N97 technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.
| TXT | no data | + |
Virtualization technologies
Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by FX-8120 and Processor N97 are enumerated here.
| AMD-V | + | - |
| VT-d | no data | + |
| VT-x | no data | + |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by FX-8120 and Processor N97. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Supported memory types | DDR3 | DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel |
Graphics specifications
General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.
| Integrated graphics card | no data | Intel UHD Graphics 24EUs (Alder Lake-N) |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by FX-8120 and Processor N97.
| PCIe version | n/a | 3.0 |
| PCI Express lanes | no data | 9 |
Pros & cons summary
| Performance score | 4.15 | 3.45 |
| Recency | 12 October 2011 | 3 January 2023 |
| Physical cores | 8 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 4 |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 10 nm |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 125 Watt | 12 Watt |
FX-8120 has a 20.3% higher aggregate performance score, and 100% more physical cores and 100% more threads.
Processor N97, on the other hand, has an age advantage of 11 years, a 220% more advanced lithography process, and 941.7% lower power consumption.
The FX-8120 is our recommended choice as it beats the Processor N97 in performance tests.
Note that FX-8120 is a desktop processor while Processor N97 is a notebook one.
Should you still have questions on choice between FX-8120 and Processor N97, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
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