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 G1620 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 G1620 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 G1620

2012

Why buy it

✅+9.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $127 MSRP).
✅Delivers 146.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.5 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $127 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.

Core i3-2120T

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (403 vs 441).
❌Lower PassMark (1,570 vs 1,586).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 30.5 PassMark/$ ($127 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G1620 better than Core i3-2120T?

Yes. Celeron G1620 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 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, Celeron G1620 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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, Celeron G1620 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron G1620 is the better buy right now. Celeron G1620 comes in $75 cheaper on MSRP at $52 MSRP versus $127 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 146.7% better value on MSRP (30.5 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron G1620 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 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.

Celeron G1620 vs Core i3-2120T Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G1620

The Celeron G1620 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 December 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,586 points. Launch price was $208.

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 Celeron G1620 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2120T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G1620 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T — a 3.8% clock advantage for the Celeron G1620 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Celeron G1620 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-2120T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1620 scores 1,586 against the Core i3-2120T's 1,570 — a 1% lead for the Celeron G1620. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 441 vs 403, a 9% lead for the Celeron G1620 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G1620 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2120T.

Feature	Celeron G1620	Core i3-2120T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz+4%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+4%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,586+1%	1,570
Geekbench 6 Single	441+9%	403
Geekbench 6 Multi	760	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H77,B75,Z77,H61,P67,Z68 (Celeron G1620) and H61,B65,Q65,Q67,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Q75,Q77,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120T).

Feature	Celeron G1620	Core i3-2120T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1) (Celeron G1620) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2120T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1620 targets Desktop, Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G1620 rivals Pentium G2030; Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500.

Feature	Celeron G1620	Core i3-2120T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1)	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Budget Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G1620 was priced at $52, while the Core i3-2120T came in at $127. On launch pricing ($52 vs $127), Celeron G1620 was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G1620 delivers 30.5 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-2120T — making the Celeron G1620 the 84.6% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G1620	Core i3-2120T
MSRP	$52-59%	$127
Performance per Dollar	30.5+146%	12.4
Release Date	2012	2011

Search Celeron G1620 on Amazon

Search Core i3-2120T on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.