Core i3-3120M vs Core 2 Duo T7200

CPU

GPU

Core i3-3120M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2012

Core 2 Duo T7200

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2 GHz2006

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i3-3120M

2 / 4

1,709

0.0%

1,717

+0.5%

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 Core 2 Duo T7200 is on rank 29, so the Core 2 Duo T7200 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3120M

#144

Core i7-12650H

MSRP: $457|Avg: N/A

97%

#448

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

601%

#449

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

592%

#450

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

544%

#451

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

541%

#452

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

536%

#454

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

518%

#455

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

496%

#456

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

496%

#457

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

482%

#460

Core i3-3120M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#472

Ryzen Embedded R1505G

MSRP: $80|Avg: $80

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo T7200

#17

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

171%

#18

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

168%

#19

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

155%

#20

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

154%

#21

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

152%

#23

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

147%

#24

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

141%

#25

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

141%

#26

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

137%

#29

Core 2 Duo T7200

MSRP: $286|Avg: $6

100%

#30

Core i5-3230M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $13

100%

#31

Atom D525

MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A

99%

#32

Atom x7835RE

MSRP: $127|Avg: N/A

99%

#33

Core 2 Duo P8400

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

97%

#38

Core 2 Duo T8100

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

90%

#39

Atom 330

MSRP: $43|Avg: $30

89%

#43

Core 2 Duo SU7300

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

87%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i3-3120M (2012) utilizes 22 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i3-3120M	Core 2 Duo T7200
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($6)
Longevity	🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core 2 Duo T7200 (2006) relies on 65 nm technology and older memory, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i3-3120M	Core 2 Duo T7200
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($6)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i3-3120M Benchmark Check

Core 2 Duo T7200 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Duo T7200

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.

Core 2 Duo T7200

The Core 2 Duo T7200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 July 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,717 points. Launch price was $286.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3120M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo T7200's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M versus 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7200 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-3120M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-3120M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T7200 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Core 2 Duo T7200's 1,717 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7200. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7200.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Core 2 Duo T7200
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	4 MB+1500%
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Merom (2006−2008)
PassMark	1,709	1,717
Geekbench 6 Single	440	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	930	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3120M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo T7200 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3120M versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7200 — the Core i3-3120M supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: HM76,HM77 (Core i3-3120M) and GM965,PM965 (Core 2 Duo T7200).

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Core 2 Duo T7200
Socket	PGA988	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+50%	DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	❌	❌
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7200). The Core i3-3120M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core 2 Duo T7200 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop, Core 2 Duo T7200 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M; Core 2 Duo T7200 rivals Athlon 64 X2 TK-42.