Core i3-2120 vs Celeron M 560
Core i3-2120
Celeron M 560
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 Core i3-2120 is positioned at rank 911 and the Celeron M 560 is on rank 819, so the Celeron M 560 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2120
Performance Per Dollar Celeron M 560
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2120 | Celeron M 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2120 | Celeron M 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+154%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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 i3-2120 and Celeron M 560
Core i3-2120
The Core i3-2120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,979 points. Launch price was $95.
Celeron M 560
The Celeron M 560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.13 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,008 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2120 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Celeron M 560 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core i3-2120 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2120 versus 2.13 GHz on the Celeron M 560 — a 43.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-2120. The Core i3-2120 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron M 560 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2120 scores 1,979 against the Celeron M 560's 2,008 — a 1.5% lead for the Celeron M 560.
| Feature | Core i3-2120 | Celeron M 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4+100% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+55% | 2.13 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,979 | 2,008+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,073 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 534 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,140 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2120 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron M 560 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120 versus 667 on the Celeron M 560 — the Celeron M 560 supports 198.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2120 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-2120) vs 0 (Celeron M 560) — the Core i3-2120 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,Q65,Q67,B75,H77,Q75,Q77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120) and GL960,GM965 (Celeron M 560).
| Feature | Core i3-2120 | Celeron M 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 667+22133% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+838860700% | 4 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-2120) vs false (Celeron M 560). The Core i3-2120 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Celeron M 560 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Celeron M 560 rivals Mobile Sempron 3600+.
| Feature | Core i3-2120 | Celeron M 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | None |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | false |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2120 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Celeron M 560 debuted at $86. At current prices ($25 vs $10), the Celeron M 560 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2120 delivers 79.2 pts/$ vs 200.8 pts/$ for the Celeron M 560 — making the Celeron M 560 the 86.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2120 | Celeron M 560 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138 | $86-38% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25 | $10-60% |
| Performance per Dollar | 79.2 | 200.8+154% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2008 |
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