Core i3-3120M vs Pentium 4425Y

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 i3-3120M vs Pentium 4425Y 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 i3-3120M vs Pentium 4425Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3120M

2012

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium 4425Y needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Pentium 4425Y

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,699 vs 1,709).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3120M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3120M better than Pentium 4425Y?

Yes. Core i3-3120M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3120M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3120M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i3-3120M still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-3120M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Pentium 4425Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3120M vs Pentium 4425Y Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

Pentium 4425Y

The Pentium 4425Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,699 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3120M and Pentium 4425Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Core i3-3120M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium 4425Y uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Pentium 4425Y's 1,699 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-3120M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M vs 2 MB on the Pentium 4425Y.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Pentium 4425Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+47%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	1,709	1,699
Geekbench 6 Single	440	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	930	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3120M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium 4425Y uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Pentium 4425Y
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M) / not specified (Pentium 4425Y). The Core i3-3120M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium 4425Y requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.