AMD FX-8120 socket: AM3+
The AMD FX-8120 uses the AM3+ socket. It is an unlocked Black Edition Zambezi eight core at 3.1 GHz to 4.0 GHz and 125 W. The 4x to 20x multiplier range on a 200 MHz clock leaves room past stock.
AMD FX-8120 specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Bulldozer cores on 32 nm (4 modules) |
| Clocks | 3.1 GHz base, up to 4.0 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB L3 (plus 8 MB L2) |
| Default TDP | 125 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe x16 slots from the 9 series chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (Black Edition) |
| Package | Socket AM3+ (PGA, 942 contacts) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
AMD FX-8120 needs a motherboard with a AM3+ socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 9 series | 990FX, 990X, 970 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for AM3+.
AM3+ at a glance
| Type | PGA, 942 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | October 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 48 × 96 mm |
What the FX-8120 is
AMD FX-8120 is an eight core Zambezi processor that AMD released in October 2011 for socketed desktops. It uses the Bulldozer core design on a 32 nm process, running at 3.1 GHz base with Turbo Core to 4.0 GHz. The chip holds four Bulldozer modules with eight threads, 8 MB of L2 and 8 MB of shared L3. This page covers the 125 W retail part; a 95 W W-suffixed part shipped from launch beside it, so match the part number before ordering. All FX parts ship unlocked. The Orochi die holds about 1.6 billion transistors on 319 mm², with 16 KB of L1 data per core plus 64 KB of L1 instructions per module. The unlocked multiplier spans 4x to 20x on a 200 MHz reference clock.
Eight threads with a 4.0 GHz maximum turbo cover threaded home work and games of the period. Full loads sit at 3.4 GHz with half loaded bursts to the top rate. The 600 MHz turbo span matches the widest in the Zambezi range for single thread bursts. The 125 W budget needs a board and cooler rated for the higher class.
Towers pair it with 990X or 990FX boards, 8 GB of DDR3 and a discrete card. The 4.0 GHz maximum turbo tops the 8120 range for single thread bursts. The unlocked multiplier invites tuning past stock on boards with strong delivery. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide places this PGA desktop part against BGA mobile forms.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The FX-8120 drops into AM3+ on 9 series boards. The 942-pin socket accepts 940-pin AM3+ chips and 938-pin AM3 chips, while AM3+ chips never fit AM3 boards. On AM3+ boards only DDR3 works, since no AM3+ board wires DDR2 slots. The maker CPU list decides each board BIOS.
Power at 125 W needs a board with delivery rated for 125 W or more. Southbridge chips SB950 or SB920 handle SATA and USB, with SLI plus CrossFireX support on 990FX boards. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers AMD pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels, up to four DIMMs. Two matched modules feed eight threads. Boards with four DIMM slots reach 16 GB with matched kits for eight threads. HyperTransport 3.0 links tie the CPU to the chipset at up to 5200 MT/s.
PCI Express slots come from the 9 series chipset with PCIe 2.0. A mainstream to high end card of the era matches the unlocked eight core.
Cooling follows the 125 W rating with a large stock heatsink or tower cooler. Tuning past 4.0 GHz wants headroom beyond stock.
Upgrade paths
On Socket AM3+ the FX-8120 can move to the FX-8150 or to Vishera eight core parts on the same board. Memory, storage and the graphics card carry over. A faster eight core step is the FX-8150 class on the same socket.
A platform move to DDR4 sockets needs a new board and RAM. Keep the AM3+ tower for tuned duty. The unlocked multiplier still gives room past stock on boards with strong delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the AMD FX-8120 use?
It uses AM3+. 9 series boards with Zambezi support carry it.
Are there two FX-8120 TDP versions?
Yes. A 125 W retail part and a 95 W W-suffixed part shipped from launch. Match the part number.
What memory does the FX-8120 use?
DDR3 up to 1866 MT/s, two channels, up to four DIMMs.
Is the FX-8120 unlocked?
Yes. All FX parts ship with an unlocked Black Edition multiplier.
Which FX-8120 part numbers exist?
FD8120FRW8KGU at 125 W and FD8120WMW8KGU at 95 W. Match the part number before ordering.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .