Core i3-3120M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64

Core i3-3120M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3120M

2 / 4

1,709

0.0%

1,726

+1.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-3120M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64 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 Turion 64 X2 TL-64: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Turion 64 X2 TL-64 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,709 vs 1,726).
❌51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Turion 64 X2 TL-64

2007

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3120M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Turion 64 X2 TL-64 better than Core i3-3120M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3120M is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Turion 64 X2 TL-64 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Turion 64 X2 TL-64 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Turion 64 X2 TL-64 still makes the most sense overall. Turion 64 X2 TL-64 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-3120M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3120M vs Turion 64 X2 TL-64 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.

Turion 64 X2 TL-64

The Turion 64 X2 TL-64 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Trinidad (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,726 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3120M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion 64 X2 TL-64's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M versus 2.2 GHz on the Turion 64 X2 TL-64 — a 12.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-3120M. The Core i3-3120M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-64 uses Trinidad (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Turion 64 X2 TL-64's 1,726 — a 1% lead for the Turion 64 X2 TL-64.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Turion 64 X2 TL-64
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+14%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Trinidad (2006−2007)
PassMark	1,709	1,726
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 Turion 64 X2 TL-64 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Turion 64 X2 TL-64
Socket	PGA988	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
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 (Turion 64 X2 TL-64). The Core i3-3120M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Turion 64 X2 TL-64 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.