Performance comparison: which is faster?
Ryzen 3 1200 (AMD, 2017) and AMD FX-6100 (AMD, 2012) 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: Ryzen 3 1200 is about 18.2% faster
The sockets differ (AM4 / 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 | Ryzen 3 1200 | FX-6100 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 6,500 | 5,500 |
| Generation | Ryzen 1000 | FX |
| Socket | AM4 | AM3+ |
| Release Year | 2017 | 2012 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | GeForce GTX 1650 | Radeon RX 470 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | Ryzen 3 1200 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | FX-6100 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
Ryzen 3 1200 is about 18.2% higher by score (Ryzen 3 1200: 6500 points / FX-6100: 5500 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.
Ryzen 3 1200 is Ryzen 1000, while FX-6100 is FX.The sockets differ (AM4 / AM3+), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, GeForce GTX 1650 pairs well with Ryzen 3 1200 and Radeon RX 470 pairs well with FX-6100. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
