Core i3-2120T vs Core 2 Duo T5600
Core i3-2120T
Core 2 Duo T5600
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 Core 2 Duo T5600 is on rank 1179, so the Core i3-2120T 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 Core 2 Duo T5600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2120T | Core 2 Duo T5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($38) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2120T | Core 2 Duo T5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+538%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($38) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($241) |
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 Core 2 Duo T5600
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.
Core 2 Duo T5600
The Core 2 Duo T5600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 July 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.83 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,560 points. Launch price was $241.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2120T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T5600's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T versus 1.83 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5600 — a 34.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-2120T (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.83 GHz). The Core i3-2120T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5600 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2120T scores 1,570 against the Core 2 Duo T5600's 1,560 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-2120T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2120T vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T5600.
| Feature | Core i3-2120T | Core 2 Duo T5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz+42% | 1.83 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+42% | 1.83 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB+700% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Merom (2006−2008) |
| PassMark | 1,570 | 1,560 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 403 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2120T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T5600 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120T versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T5600 — the Core i3-2120T supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2120T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-2120T) vs 0 (Core 2 Duo T5600) — the Core i3-2120T offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,B65,Q65,Q67,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Q75,Q77,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2120T) and 945GM,945PM (Core 2 Duo T5600).
| Feature | Core i3-2120T | Core 2 Duo T5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333+50% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+700% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2120T) / not specified (Core 2 Duo T5600). The Core i3-2120T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Duo T5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500.
| Feature | Core i3-2120T | Core 2 Duo T5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2120T launched at $127 MSRP, while the Core 2 Duo T5600 debuted at $241.
| Feature | Core i3-2120T | Core 2 Duo T5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $127-47% | $241 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $38 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2006 |
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