Core i3-2120 vs Core i7-3689Y

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 i7-3689Y 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 i7-3689Y: 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

✅+5.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3689Y.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Core i7-3689Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3689Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (507 vs 534).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,100 vs 1,140).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2120.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2120 better than Core i7-3689Y?

Yes. Core i3-2120 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 3.6% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.6% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2120 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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, Core i3-2120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3689Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2120 vs Core i7-3689Y 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 i7-3689Y

The Core i7-3689Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,967 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2120 and Core i7-3689Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2120 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-3689Y — a 23.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-2120 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i3-2120 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3689Y uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2120 scores 1,979 against the Core i7-3689Y's 1,967 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-2120. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 534 vs 507, a 5.2% lead for the Core i3-2120 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,140 vs 1,100 (3.6% advantage for the Core i3-2120). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2120 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3689Y.

Feature	Core i3-2120	Core i7-3689Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+27%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+120%	1.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,979	1,967
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,073	—
Geekbench 6 Single	534+5%	507
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,140+4%	1,100

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2120 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3689Y uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-3689Y — the Core i7-3689Y supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. 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 HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3689Y).

Feature	Core i3-2120	Core i7-3689Y
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 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 (Core i7-3689Y). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2120) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3689Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3689Y targets Ultra-Low Power Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3689Y rivals AMD A10-4655M.

Feature	Core i3-2120	Core i7-3689Y
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Ultra-Low Power Laptop