CPU
GPU
Core i3-2130
Core i3-2125
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 i3-2130 is positioned at rank 899 and the Core i3-2125 is on rank 892, so the Core i3-2125 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2130
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2125
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2130 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($138) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2130 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+827%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($138) | ✅ 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 i3-2130 and Core i3-2125
Core i3-2130
The Core i3-2130 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,067 points. Launch price was $123.
Core i3-2125
The Core i3-2125 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 2,082 points. Launch price was $170.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-2130 and Core i3-2125 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-2130 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2125 — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i3-2130 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2130 scores 2,067 against the Core i3-2125's 2,082 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2125. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 505 vs 499, a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-2130 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-2130 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+3% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+3% | 3.3 GHz |
| 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 | 2,067 | 2,082 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 505+1% | 499 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B65,H67,P67,Z68,Q67,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2130) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B65,Q65,Q67,B75,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2125).
| Feature | Core i3-2130 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2130) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2125) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2130 targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i3-2125 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2130 rivals Pentium G860; Core i3-2125 rivals A8-3850.
| Feature | Core i3-2130 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2130 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i3-2125 debuted at $134. At current prices ($138 vs $15), the Core i3-2125 is $123 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2130 delivers 15.0 pts/$ vs 138.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-2125 — making the Core i3-2125 the 161% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2130 | Core i3-2125 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138 | $134-3% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $138 | $15-89% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.0 | 138.8+825% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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