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.

Celeron 4305U 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.

Celeron 4305U 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.

Celeron 4305U

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $20 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $127 MSRP).
✅Delivers 18.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.6 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $127 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,562 vs 1,570).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2120T.

Core i3-2120T

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Celeron 4305U.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 14.6 PassMark/$ ($127 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2120T better than Celeron 4305U?

Yes. Core i3-2120T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2120T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Core i3-2120T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-2120T is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-2120T comes in 18.7% more expensive on MSRP at $127 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron 4305U only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.5% in the shared gaming data.

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

Celeron 4305U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron 4305U vs Core i3-2120T Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 4305U

The Celeron 4305U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,562 points. Launch price was $107.

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 Celeron 4305U packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2120T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Celeron 4305U versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-2120T (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Celeron 4305U uses the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2120T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 4305U scores 1,562 against the Core i3-2120T's 1,570 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-2120T. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron 4305U vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2120T.

Feature	Celeron 4305U	Core i3-2120T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.6 GHz+18%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.6 GHz+18%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,562	1,570
Geekbench 6 Single	—	403

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 4305U uses the FCBGA1528 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 2133 on the Celeron 4305U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120T — the Celeron 4305U supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron 4305U supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Whiskey Lake-U (Celeron 4305U) and H61,B65,Q65,Q67,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Q75,Q77,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120T).

Feature	Celeron 4305U	Core i3-2120T
Socket	FCBGA1528	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	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 (Celeron 4305U) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2120T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron 4305U) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2120T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 4305U targets Budget, Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron 4305U rivals Pentium Gold 5405U; Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500.

Feature	Celeron 4305U	Core i3-2120T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 610	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Budget Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 4305U was priced at $107, while the Core i3-2120T came in at $127. On launch pricing ($107 vs $127), Celeron 4305U was $20 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 4305U delivers 14.6 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-2120T — making the Celeron 4305U the 16.6% better value option.

Feature	Celeron 4305U	Core i3-2120T
MSRP	$107-16%	$127
Performance per Dollar	14.6+18%	12.4
Release Date	2019	2011

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