Core i3-2120T vs A6-6400B
Core i3-2120T
A6-6400B
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 i3-2120T is positioned at rank 956 and the A6-6400B is on rank 655, so the A6-6400B offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2120T
Performance Per Dollar A6-6400B
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2120T | A6-6400B |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($38) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Richland (2013−2014) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2120T | A6-6400B |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($38) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-2120T and A6-6400B
Core i3-2120T
The Core i3-2120T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,570 points. Launch price was $50.
A6-6400B
The A6-6400B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,573 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2120T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the A6-6400B's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T versus 4.1 GHz on the A6-6400B — a 44.8% clock advantage for the A6-6400B (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i3-2120T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A6-6400B uses Richland (2013−2014) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2120T scores 1,570 against the A6-6400B's 1,573 — a 0.2% lead for the A6-6400B.
| Feature | Core i3-2120T | A6-6400B |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz | 4.1 GHz+58% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB (total)+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Richland (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 1,570 | 1,573 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 403 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2120T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A6-6400B uses FM2 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120T versus 1866 on the A6-6400B — the A6-6400B supports 199.4% 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,B65,Q65,Q67,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Q75,Q77,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120T) and FM2 (A6-6400B).
| Feature | Core i3-2120T | A6-6400B |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | FM2 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1866+62100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+104857500% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2120T) vs true (A6-6400B). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2120T) and Radeon HD 8470D (A6-6400B) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500; A6-6400B rivals Pentium G3220.
| Feature | Core i3-2120T | A6-6400B |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | Radeon HD 8470D |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | — |
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