CPU
GPU
Core i3-3120M
Xeon E5502
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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 Xeon E5502 is on rank 893, so the Core i3-3120M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3120M
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5502
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3120M | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($39) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3120M | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($39) |
Performance Check
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-3120M and Xeon E5502
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.
Xeon E5502
The Xeon E5502 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,725 points. Launch price was $95.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3120M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E5502's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-3120M versus 1.87 GHz on the Xeon E5502 — a 28.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-3120M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i3-3120M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5502 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3120M scores 1,709 against the Xeon E5502's 1,725 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E5502. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 440 vs 200, a 75% lead for the Core i3-3120M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 930 vs 800 (15% advantage for the Core i3-3120M). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3120M vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5502.
| Feature | Core i3-3120M | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz+34% | 1.87 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+34% | 1.86 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Gainestown (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,709 | 1,725 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 440+120% | 200 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 930+16% | 800 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3120M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5502 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Xeon E5502 supports up to 144 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 127.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-3120M) vs 3 (Xeon E5502). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3120M) vs 32 (Xeon E5502) — the Xeon E5502 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM76,HM77 (Core i3-3120M) and Intel 5500,Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon E5502).
| Feature | Core i3-3120M | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 144 GB+350% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 32+100% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-3120M) vs true (Xeon E5502). The Core i3-3120M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5502 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3120M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3120M rivals AMD A8-4500M.
| Feature | Core i3-3120M | Xeon E5502 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Budget Laptop | — |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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