Pentium G870 vs Core i3-2120T
Pentium G870
Core i3-2120T
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 Pentium G870 is positioned at rank 836 and the Core i3-2120T is on rank 956, so the Pentium G870 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G870
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2120T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G870 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($38) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G870 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+152%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($38) |
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 Pentium G870 and Core i3-2120T
Pentium G870
The Pentium G870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 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: 1,562 points. Launch price was $97.
Core i3-2120T
The Core i3-2120T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,570 points. Launch price was $50.
Processing Power
The Pentium G870 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2120T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Pentium G870 versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-2120T — a 17.5% clock advantage for the Pentium G870 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Pentium G870 scores 1,562 against the Core i3-2120T's 1,570 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-2120T. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Pentium G870 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+19% | 2.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz+19% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,562 | 1,570 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 403 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0.
| Feature | Pentium G870 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | 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 (Pentium G870) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2120T). The Core i3-2120T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Pentium G870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2120T targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-2120T rivals A6-3500.
| Feature | Pentium G870 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G870 launched at $86 MSRP, while the Core i3-2120T debuted at $127. At current prices ($15 vs $38), the Pentium G870 is $23 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G870 delivers 104.1 pts/$ vs 41.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-2120T — making the Pentium G870 the 86.4% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G870 | Core i3-2120T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $86-32% | $127 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-61% | $38 |
| Performance per Dollar | 104.1+152% | 41.3 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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