Celeron N4120 vs Core i5-3210M

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 N4120 vs Core i5-3210M 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 N4120 vs Core i5-3210M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Celeron N4120

2019

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 4W instead of 512W, a 508W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,463 vs 2,469).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3210M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3210M

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Celeron N4120 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Celeron N4120 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌12700% higher power demand at 512W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3210M better than Celeron N4120?

Yes. Core i5-3210M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3210M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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 i5-3210M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3210M is the better buy right now. Core i5-3210M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 N4120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N4120 vs Core i5-3210M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N4120

The Celeron N4120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,463 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-3210M

The Core i5-3210M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 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 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,469 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N4120 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3210M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron N4120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4120 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-3210M — a 17.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-3210M (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Celeron N4120 uses the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3210M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4120 scores 2,463 against the Core i5-3210M's 2,469 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3210M. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4120 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3210M.

Feature	Celeron N4120	Core i5-3210M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+19%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	2.5 GHz+127%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB	256K (per core)+6300%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,463	2,469
Geekbench 6 Single	—	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,400

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4120 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3210M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N4120	Core i5-3210M
Socket	FCBGA1090	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron N4120) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3210M). The Core i5-3210M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Celeron N4120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3210M rivals AMD A10-4600M.