CPU
GPU
Core M-5Y71
Core i3-2120
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 M-5Y71 is positioned at rank 1160 and the Core i3-2120 is on rank 911, so the Core i3-2120 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core M-5Y71
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core M-5Y71 | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($281) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-Y (2014) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core M-5Y71 | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1026%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($281) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
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 M-5Y71 and Core i3-2120
Core M-5Y71
The Core M-5Y71 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 October 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-Y (2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1234. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,975 points. Launch price was $281.
Core i3-2120
The Core i3-2120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,979 points. Launch price was $95.
Processing Power
Both the Core M-5Y71 and Core i3-2120 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core M-5Y71 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2120 — a 12.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-2120 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core M-5Y71 uses the Broadwell-Y (2014) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2120 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core M-5Y71 scores 1,975 against the Core i3-2120's 1,979 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2120. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core M-5Y71 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2120.
| Feature | Core M-5Y71 | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.3 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 1.2 GHz | 3.3 GHz+175% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell-Y (2014) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,975 | 1,979 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 1,073 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 534 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,140 |
Memory & Platform
The Core M-5Y71 uses the FCBGA1234 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2120 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core M-5Y71 | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1234 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core M-5Y71) / Yes (Core i3-2120). The Core i3-2120 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Core M-5Y71 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core M-5Y71 | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core M-5Y71 launched at $281 MSRP, while the Core i3-2120 debuted at $138. At current prices ($281 vs $25), the Core i3-2120 is $256 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core M-5Y71 delivers 7.0 pts/$ vs 79.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-2120 — making the Core i3-2120 the 167.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core M-5Y71 | Core i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $281 | $138-51% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $281 | $25-91% |
| Performance per Dollar | 7.0 | 79.2+1031% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2011 |
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