Core i3-2120T vs Pentium G870
Core i3-2120T
Pentium G870
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 Pentium G870 is on rank 836, so the Pentium G870 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 Pentium G870
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2120T | Pentium G870 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($38) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2120T | Pentium G870 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+152%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($38) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
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 Pentium G870
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.
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 | — |
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 | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2120T launched at $127 MSRP, while the Pentium G870 debuted at $86. At current prices ($38 vs $15), the Pentium G870 is $23 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2120T delivers 41.3 pts/$ vs 104.1 pts/$ for the Pentium G870 — making the Pentium G870 the 86.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2120T | Pentium G870 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $127 | $86-32% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $38 | $15-61% |
| Performance per Dollar | 41.3 | 104.1+152% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2012 |
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