Core i3-2120T vs Pentium G870

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 G870 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 G870: 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

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Pentium G870 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Pentium G870.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($127 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Pentium G870

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $41 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $127 MSRP).
✅Delivers 46.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.2 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $127 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,562 vs 1,570).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌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 G870 better than Core i3-2120T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G870 is ahead with 19.2% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2120T pulls ahead with 0.5% 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 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G870 is the better buy right now. Pentium G870 comes in $41 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $127 MSRP, and it still gives you 19.2% higher max boost clock. The compromise is that Core i3-2120T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 46.9% better value on MSRP (18.2 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G870 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2120T vs Pentium G870 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 G870

The Pentium G870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 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: 1,562 points. Launch price was $97.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2120T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G870's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T versus 3.1 GHz on the Pentium G870 — a 17.5% clock advantage for the Pentium G870 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2120T scores 1,570 against the Pentium G870's 1,562 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-2120T. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2120T	Pentium G870
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+19%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.1 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,570	1,562
Geekbench 6 Single	403	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i3-2120T	Pentium G870
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
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 G870). The Core i3-2120T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Pentium G870 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	Pentium G870
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2120T was priced at $127, while the Pentium G870 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($127 vs $86), Pentium G870 was $41 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2120T delivers 12.4 pts/$ vs 18.2 pts/$ for the Pentium G870 — making the Pentium G870 the 38% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2120T	Pentium G870
MSRP	$127	$86-32%
Performance per Dollar	12.4	18.2+47%
Release Date	2011	2012

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