Core i5-13600K vs Pentium G2120T
Core i5-13600K
Pentium G2120T
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G2120T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-13600K | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+37%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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 i5-13600K and Pentium G2120T
Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
Pentium G2120T
The Pentium G2120T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,613 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-13600K packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Pentium G2120T offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 12 more cores. The Core i5-13600K is built on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-13600K scores 37,655 against the Pentium G2120T's 1,613 — a 183.6% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2120T.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20+600% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+30% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB+700% | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-68% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) | — |
| PassMark | 37,655+2234% | 1,613 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-13600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Pentium G2120T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K) / not specified (Pentium G2120T). The Core i5-13600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Pentium G2120T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-13600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Pentium G2120T debuted at $87. At current prices ($319 vs $10), the Pentium G2120T is $309 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-13600K delivers 118.0 pts/$ vs 161.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G2120T — making the Pentium G2120T the 31% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-13600K | Pentium G2120T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $87-74% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $319 | $10-97% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.0 | 161.3+37% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2013 |
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