AMD FX-4300 vs Intel Core i3-530
The Intel Core i3-530 is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 7%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | AMD FX-4300 | Intel Core i3-530 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 14/100 | 15/100 |
| Tier | F | F |
| Manufacturer | AMD | Intel |
| Cores | 4 | 2 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.8 GHz | 2.9 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4 GHz | 2.9 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 95 W | 73 W |
| Release year | 2012 | 2010 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i3-530 is the better buy — it holds a 7% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The AMD FX-4300 has more cores (4 vs 2), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i3-530 runs 22W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.