Core 5 120UL vs Xeon E-2126G
Core 5 120UL
Xeon E-2126G
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120UL
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E-2126G
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 5 120UL | Xeon E-2126G |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) | ✅ More affordable ($230) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-PS (2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 5 120UL | Xeon E-2126G |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+16%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) | ✅ More affordable ($230) |
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 5 120UL and Xeon E-2126G
Core 5 120UL
The Core 5 120UL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,558 points. Launch price was $149.
Xeon E-2126G
The Xeon E-2126G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 July 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,437 points. Launch price was $255.
Processing Power
The Core 5 120UL packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E-2126G offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core 5 120UL has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core 5 120UL versus 4.5 GHz on the Xeon E-2126G — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core 5 120UL (base: 1.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core 5 120UL uses the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E-2126G uses Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 5 120UL scores 10,558 against the Xeon E-2126G's 10,437 — a 1.2% lead for the Core 5 120UL. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Xeon E-2126G |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 12+67% | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+2% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.3 GHz | 3.3 GHz+154% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-PS (2024) | Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 10,558+1% | 10,437 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 5 120UL uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E-2126G uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Xeon E-2126G |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core 5 120UL launched at $277 MSRP, while the Xeon E-2126G debuted at $2702. At current prices ($270 vs $230), the Xeon E-2126G is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 5 120UL delivers 39.1 pts/$ vs 45.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E-2126G — making the Xeon E-2126G the 14.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Xeon E-2126G |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $277-90% | $2702 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $270 | $230-15% |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.1 | 45.4+16% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2018 |
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