CPU
GPU
Atom Z2760
Core i3-3120M
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 Atom Z2760 is positioned at rank 529 and the Core i3-3120M is on rank 460, so the Core i3-3120M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom Z2760
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3120M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom Z2760 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cloverview (2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom Z2760 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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.
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom Z2760 and Core i3-3120M
Atom Z2760
The Atom Z2760 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Cloverview (2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FC-MB4760. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,697 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i3-3120M
The Core i3-3120M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,709 points. Launch price was $160.
Processing Power
Both the Atom Z2760 and Core i3-3120M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Atom Z2760 versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M — a 32.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-3120M (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Atom Z2760 uses the Cloverview (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3120M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Atom Z2760 scores 1,697 against the Core i3-3120M's 1,709 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3120M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom Z2760 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M.
| Feature | Atom Z2760 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.5 GHz+39% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.5 GHz+39% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Cloverview (2012) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,697 | 1,709 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 440 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 930 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom Z2760 uses the FC-MB4760 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3120M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR2-800 on the Atom Z2760 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3120M — the Core i3-3120M supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3120M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom Z2760) vs 16 (Core i3-3120M) — the Core i3-3120M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel BGA1264 (Atom Z2760) and HM76,HM77 (Core i3-3120M).
| Feature | Atom Z2760 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FC-MB4760 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR2-800 | DDR3-1600+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 GB | 32 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom Z2760) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel GMA 3650 (Atom Z2760) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3120M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.
| Feature | Atom Z2760 | Core i3-3120M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel GMA 3650 | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Budget Laptop |
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