Core i3-2120 vs Core i5-580M

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.

Core i3-2120 vs Core i5-580M 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.

Core i3-2120 vs Core i5-580M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2120

2011

Why buy it

✅+20% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-580M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,979 vs 1,983).
❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Core i5-580M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i5-580M

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (445 vs 534).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2120.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2120 better than Core i5-580M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2120 is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-580M pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-580M 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 i3-2120 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-580M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2120 vs Core i5-580M Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-580M

The Core i5-580M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2120 and Core i5-580M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2120 versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M — a 0.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-580M (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i3-2120 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-580M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2120 scores 1,979 against the Core i5-580M's 1,983 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-580M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 534 vs 445, a 18.2% lead for the Core i3-2120 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2120	Core i5-580M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.33 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+24%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,979	1,983
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,073	—
Geekbench 6 Single	534+20%	445
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,140	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2120 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-580M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-580M — the Core i3-2120 supports 25% 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 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,Q65,Q67,B75,H77,Q75,Q77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120) and HM55,PM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-580M).

Feature	Core i3-2120	Core i5-580M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+25%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-2120) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-580M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2120) and HD Graphics (Core i5-580M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660.