Performance comparison: which is faster?
AMD FX-4100 (AMD, 2012) and AMD Phenom II X4 945 (AMD, 2010) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: FX-4100 is about 10.5% faster
The sockets differ (AM3+ / AM3), so switching requires a motherboard replacement. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | FX-4100 | Phenom II X4 945 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 4,200 | 3,800 |
| Generation | FX | Phenom II |
| Socket | AM3+ | AM3 |
| Release Year | 2012 | 2010 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | GeForce GTX 1050 | GeForce GTX 950 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | FX-4100 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | Phenom II X4 945 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
FX-4100 is about 10.5% higher by score (FX-4100: 4200 points / Phenom II X4 945: 3800 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
FX-4100 is FX, while Phenom II X4 945 is Phenom II.The sockets differ (AM3+ / AM3), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, GeForce GTX 1050 pairs well with FX-4100 and GeForce GTX 950 pairs well with Phenom II X4 945. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
