A6-6400B vs Core i3-2120T

A6-6400B vs Core i3-2120T Performance Spectrum

A6-6400B

2 / 2

1,573

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-2120T

2 / 4

1,570

0.0%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A6-6400B vs Core i3-2120T FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A6-6400B vs Core i3-2120T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A6-6400B

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i3-2120T

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,570 vs 1,573).
❌Launch MSRP is still $127 MSRP, while A6-6400B mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-6400B better than Core i3-2120T?

Yes. A6-6400B is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A6-6400B is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A6-6400B is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A6-6400B is still the much better call for a fresh build. A6-6400B comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $127 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2120T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A6-6400B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A6-6400B vs Core i3-2120T Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A6-6400B

The A6-6400B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,573 points. Launch price was $70.

Core i3-2120T

The Core i3-2120T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,570 points. Launch price was $50.

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Processing Power

The A6-6400B packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2120T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A6-6400B versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T — a 44.8% clock advantage for the A6-6400B (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The A6-6400B uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2120T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-6400B scores 1,573 against the Core i3-2120T's 1,570 — a 0.2% lead for the A6-6400B.

Feature	A6-6400B	Core i3-2120T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+58%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+50%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (total)+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,573	1,570
Geekbench 6 Single	—	403

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Memory & Platform

The A6-6400B uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2120T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A6-6400B versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120T — the A6-6400B supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A6-6400B) and H61,B65,Q65,Q67,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Q75,Q77,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120T).

Feature	A6-6400B	Core i3-2120T
Socket	FM2	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (A6-6400B) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2120T). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8470D (A6-6400B) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2120T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A6-6400B rivals Pentium G3220; Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500.