Core i3-3120M vs Pentium G2020

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 G2020 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 G2020: 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

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Pentium G2020 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌830.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 55W.

Pentium G2020

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 512W, a 457W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,705 vs 1,709).
❌Launch MSRP is still $64 MSRP, while Core i3-3120M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3120M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G2020 better than Core i3-3120M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium G2020 is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3120M pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium G2020 is the better buy right now. Pentium G2020 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $64 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-3120M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (26.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G2020 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3120M vs Pentium G2020 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 G2020

The Pentium G2020 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,705 points. Launch price was $60.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3120M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G2020's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M versus 2.9 GHz on the Pentium G2020 — a 14.8% clock advantage for the Pentium G2020 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Pentium G2020's 1,705 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-3120M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M vs 3072 kB (total) on the Pentium G2020.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Pentium G2020
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	2.9 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.9 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3072 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,709	1,705
Geekbench 6 Single	440	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	930	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3120M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G2020 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Pentium G2020
Socket	PGA988	LGA1155
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	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M) / not specified (Pentium G2020). The Core i3-3120M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Pentium G2020 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.