Core i3-3220T vs Core i3-4120U

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 i3-3220T vs Core i3-4120U 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 i3-3220T vs Core i3-4120U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3220T

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-4120U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Core i3-4120U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-4120U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (462 vs 465).
❌Lower PassMark (1,948 vs 1,953).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3220T better than Core i3-4120U?

Yes. Core i3-3220T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3220T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3220T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3220T is the better buy right now. Core i3-3220T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-4120U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3220T vs Core i3-4120U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3220T

The Core i3-3220T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,953 points. Launch price was $201.

Core i3-4120U

The Core i3-4120U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,948 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3220T and Core i3-4120U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i3-3220T versus 2 GHz on the Core i3-4120U — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220T (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-3220T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-4120U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220T scores 1,953 against the Core i3-4120U's 1,948 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-3220T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 465 vs 462, a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-3220T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220T vs 3 MB on the Core i3-4120U.

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i3-4120U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+40%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+40%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,953	1,948
Geekbench 6 Single	465	462
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,071

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-4120U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-3220T supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3220T) vs 12 (Core i3-4120U) — the Core i3-3220T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220T) and HM86,HM87 (Core i3-4120U).

Feature	Core i3-3220T	Core i3-4120U
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220T) vs Yes (Core i3-4120U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3220T) and Intel HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4120U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220T rivals A8-5500.