Core i3-2120T vs Core i5-4200Y

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 i3-2120T vs Core i5-4200Y 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 i3-2120T vs Core i5-4200Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2120T

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-4200Y.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (403 vs 574).
❌Launch MSRP is still $127 MSRP, while Core i5-4200Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-4200Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+42.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,558 vs 1,570).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2120T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2120T better than Core i5-4200Y?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4200Y is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2120T pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2120T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-2120T is the better buy right now. Core i3-2120T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $127 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-4200Y is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4200Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2120T vs Core i5-4200Y Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-4200Y

The Core i5-4200Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,558 points. Launch price was $297.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2120T and Core i5-4200Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-4200Y — a 31.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-2120T (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The Core i3-2120T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-4200Y uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2120T scores 1,570 against the Core i5-4200Y's 1,558 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-2120T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 403 vs 574, a 35% lead for the Core i5-4200Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2120T	Core i5-4200Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+37%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+86%	1.4 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,570	1,558
Geekbench 6 Single	403	574+42%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2120T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-4200Y uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2120T versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4200Y — the Core i5-4200Y supports 20% 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 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-2120T) vs 12 (Core i5-4200Y) — the Core i3-2120T offers 4 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 HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4200Y).

Feature	Core i3-2120T	Core i5-4200Y
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2120T) and HD Graphics 4200 (Core i5-4200Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop, Core i5-4200Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500; Core i5-4200Y rivals A4-5150M.

Feature	Core i3-2120T	Core i5-4200Y
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	HD Graphics 4200
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Budget Desktop	Tablet/2-in-1