Core i3-4025U 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 i3-4025U 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 i3-4025U 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 i3-4025U

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4120U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-4120U

2014

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4400, while Core i3-4025U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,948 vs 1,949).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4025U better than Core i3-4120U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-4120U is ahead with 5.3% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4025U pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4025U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4025U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-4025U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-4025U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4025U vs Core i3-4120U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4025U

The Core i3-4025U 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 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 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: 1,949 points. Launch price was $275.

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 i3-4025U and Core i3-4120U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-4025U versus 2 GHz on the Core i3-4120U — a 5.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-4120U (base: 1.9 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4025U scores 1,949 against the Core i3-4120U's 1,948 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-4025U. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-4025U	Core i3-4120U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	2 GHz+5%
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	2 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,949	1,948
Geekbench 6 Single	—	462
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,071

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1168 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-4025U	Core i3-4120U
Socket	FCBGA1168	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-4025U) / Yes (Core i3-4120U). The Core i3-4120U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Core i3-4025U requires a dedicated GPU.