Core i3-4120U vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

Core i3-4120U vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-4120U

2 / 4

1,948

0.0%

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

2 / 2

1,965

+0.9%

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 i3-4120U vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4400, while Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,948 vs 1,965).
❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.2% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 better than Core i3-4120U?

Yes. Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.2% 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, Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 still makes the most sense overall. Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 49 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 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4120U vs Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 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.

Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86

The Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Griffin (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1g2. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,965 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4120U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-4120U versus 2.4 GHz on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86. The Core i3-4120U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 uses Griffin (2008−2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4120U scores 1,948 against the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86's 1,965 — a 0.9% lead for the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4120U vs 0 kB on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.4 GHz+20%
Base Clock	2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB	2 MB+300%
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Griffin (2008−2009)
PassMark	1,948	1,965
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 Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 uses S1g2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-4120U versus DDR2-800 on the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 — 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 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-4120U) vs 0 (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86) — the Core i3-4120U offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-4120U	Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86
Socket	FCBGA1168	S1g2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+100%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+300%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-4120U) vs AMD-V (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86). The Core i3-4120U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86 targets Mobile.