Core i3-4120U vs Core i5-520UM

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 i3-4120U vs Core i5-520UM 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 i3-4120U vs Core i5-520UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4120U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌2744.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 18W.

Core i5-520UM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 18W instead of 512W, a 494W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,943 vs 1,948).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4120U better than Core i5-520UM?

Yes. Core i3-4120U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 21 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4120U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 21 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4120U 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 i3-4120U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-4120U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 21 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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 2010) and 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 i3-4120U vs Core i5-520UM Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-520UM

The Core i5-520UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.07 GHz, with boost up to 1.87 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,943 points. Launch price was $241.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4120U and Core i5-520UM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-4120U versus 1.87 GHz on the Core i5-520UM — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-4120U (base: 2 GHz vs 1.07 GHz). The Core i3-4120U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-520UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4120U scores 1,948 against the Core i5-520UM's 1,943 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-4120U. Both processors carry 3 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Core i5-520UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz+7%	1.87 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz+87%	1.07 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,948	1,943
Geekbench 6 Single	462	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,071	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4120U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-520UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-4120U versus 800 on the Core i5-520UM — the Core i3-4120U supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4120U supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-4120U) vs 16 (Core i5-520UM) — the Core i5-520UM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM86,HM87 (Core i3-4120U) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-520UM).

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Core i5-520UM
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+100%	800
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-4120U) vs true (Core i5-520UM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4120U) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-520UM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-520UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.