A6-6420K vs Core i3-2120T

A6-6420K vs Core i3-2120T Performance Spectrum

A6-6420K

2 / 2

1,571

+0.1%

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.

A6-6420K 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.

A6-6420K 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.

A6-6420K

2014

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 1,571).
❌Launch MSRP is still $127 MSRP, while A6-6420K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-6420K better than Core i3-2120T?

Yes. A6-6420K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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, A6-6420K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.9% 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, A6-6420K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

A6-6420K is still the much better call for a fresh build. A6-6420K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $127 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2120T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

A6-6420K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 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.

A6-6420K vs Core i3-2120T Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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 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 (A6-6420K) 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+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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.