A6-6420K vs Core i3-2120T
A6-6420K
Core i3-2120T
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The A6-6420K is positioned at rank 656 and the Core i3-2120T is on rank 956, so the A6-6420K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A6-6420K
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2120T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A6-6420K | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($38) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A6-6420K | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($38) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A6-6420K and Core i3-2120T
A6-6420K
The A6-6420K 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 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,571 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.
Processing Power
The A6-6420K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2120T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A6-6420K versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T — a 47.1% clock advantage for the A6-6420K (base: 4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The A6-6420K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2120T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-6420K scores 1,571 against the Core i3-2120T's 1,570 — a 0.1% lead for the A6-6420K.
| Feature | A6-6420K | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+62% | 2.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+54% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1024 kB+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Richland (2013−2014) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,571 | 1,570 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 403 |
Memory & Platform
The A6-6420K 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 A6-6420K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120T — the A6-6420K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A6-6420K) and H61,B65,Q65,Q67,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Q75,Q77,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120T).
| Feature | A6-6420K | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM2 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1866+62100% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 32 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A6-6420K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A6-6420K) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2120T). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8470D (A6-6420K) 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: A6-6420K rivals Pentium G3258; Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500.
| Feature | A6-6420K | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 8470D | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Budget Desktop |
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