Core i3-2120T vs Pentium 4415Y

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 Pentium 4415Y 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 Pentium 4415Y: 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

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Pentium 4415Y needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Pentium 4415Y.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,570 vs 1,582).
❌Launch MSRP is still $127 MSRP, while Pentium 4415Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Pentium 4415Y

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2120T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2120T.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium 4415Y better than Core i3-2120T?

Yes. Pentium 4415Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium 4415Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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, Pentium 4415Y 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?

Pentium 4415Y is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium 4415Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $127 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2120T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Pentium 4415Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2120T vs Pentium 4415Y 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.

Pentium 4415Y

The Pentium 4415Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB SmartCache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,582 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2120T and Pentium 4415Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Core i3-2120T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium 4415Y uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2120T scores 1,570 against the Pentium 4415Y's 1,582 — a 0.8% lead for the Pentium 4415Y. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2120T vs 2 MB SmartCache on the Pentium 4415Y.

Feature	Core i3-2120T	Pentium 4415Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+63%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB SmartCache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	1,570	1,582
Geekbench 6 Single	403	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2120T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 4415Y uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2120T	Pentium 4415Y
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2120T) / not specified (Pentium 4415Y). The Core i3-2120T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Pentium 4415Y requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500.