CPU
GPU
Core i3-3120M
Atom Z2760
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 i3-3120M is positioned at rank 460 and the Atom Z2760 is on rank 529, so the Core i3-3120M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3120M
Performance Per Dollar Atom Z2760
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3120M | Atom Z2760 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Cloverview (2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3120M | Atom Z2760 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i3-3120M and Atom Z2760
Core i3-3120M
The Core i3-3120M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,709 points. Launch price was $160.
Atom Z2760
The Atom Z2760 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Cloverview (2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FC-MB4760. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,697 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-3120M and Atom Z2760 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M versus 1.8 GHz on the Atom Z2760 — a 32.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-3120M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i3-3120M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Atom Z2760 uses Cloverview (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Atom Z2760's 1,697 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3120M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M vs 0 kB on the Atom Z2760.
| Feature | Core i3-3120M | Atom Z2760 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz+39% | 1.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+39% | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Cloverview (2012) |
| PassMark | 1,709 | 1,697 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 440 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 930 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3120M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom Z2760 uses FC-MB4760 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3120M versus LPDDR2-800 on the Atom Z2760 — the Core i3-3120M supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3120M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3120M) vs 0 (Atom Z2760) — the Core i3-3120M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM76,HM77 (Core i3-3120M) and Intel BGA1264 (Atom Z2760).
| Feature | Core i3-3120M | Atom Z2760 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FC-MB4760 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600+50% | LPDDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+1500% | 2 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M) / not specified (Atom Z2760). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3120M) and Intel GMA 3650 (Atom Z2760) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.
| Feature | Core i3-3120M | Atom Z2760 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Intel GMA 3650 |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | — |
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