Core i3-3120M vs Turion X2 RM-75

Core i3-3120M vs Turion X2 RM-75 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-3120M

2 / 4

1,709

0.0%

1,717

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

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 X2 RM-75 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 X2 RM-75: 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 X2 RM-75 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,709 vs 1,717).
❌51100% higher power demand at 512W vs 1W.

Turion X2 RM-75

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.5% 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 X2 RM-75 better than Core i3-3120M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-3120M is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Turion X2 RM-75 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Turion X2 RM-75 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Turion X2 RM-75 still makes the most sense overall. Turion X2 RM-75 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% 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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3120M vs Turion X2 RM-75 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 X2 RM-75

The Turion X2 RM-75 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Lion (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,717 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3120M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion X2 RM-75's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M versus 2.2 GHz on the Turion X2 RM-75 — 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 X2 RM-75 uses Lion (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Turion X2 RM-75's 1,717 — a 0.5% lead for the Turion X2 RM-75. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M vs 0 kB on the Turion X2 RM-75.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Turion X2 RM-75
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)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Lion (2008−2009)
PassMark	1,709	1,717
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 X2 RM-75 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3120M	Turion X2 RM-75
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 X2 RM-75). The Core i3-3120M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Turion X2 RM-75 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.