CPU
GPU
Ryzen 5 8500G
Core 5 120
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 Ryzen 5 8500G
Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 8500G | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($340) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Phoenix2 (2024) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 8500G | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+125%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($340) |
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 Ryzen 5 8500G and Core 5 120
Ryzen 5 8500G
The Ryzen 5 8500G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Phoenix2 (2024) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: AM5. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,481 points. Launch price was $229.
Core 5 120
The Core 5 120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,629 points. Launch price was $211.
Processing Power
Both the Ryzen 5 8500G and Core 5 120 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen 5 8500G versus 4.5 GHz on the Core 5 120 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 8500G (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Ryzen 5 8500G uses the Phoenix2 (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Core 5 120 uses Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 8500G scores 21,481 against the Core 5 120's 21,629 — a 0.7% lead for the Core 5 120. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 8500G vs 18 MB (total) on the Core 5 120.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 8500G | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+11% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+40% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 18 MB (total)+13% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% |
| Process | 4 nm-60% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Phoenix2 (2024) | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) |
| PassMark | 21,481 | 21,629 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 9,310 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 8500G uses the AM5 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core 5 120 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 8500G | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5200 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 14 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (Ryzen 5 8500G) / not specified (Core 5 120). The Ryzen 5 8500G includes integrated graphics (Radeon 740M), while the Core 5 120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 8500G targets General Use. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 8500G rivals Core i5-13400.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 8500G | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Radeon 740M | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | General Use | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 8500G launched at $179 MSRP, while the Core 5 120 debuted at $340. At current prices ($150 vs $340), the Ryzen 5 8500G is $190 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 8500G delivers 143.2 pts/$ vs 63.6 pts/$ for the Core 5 120 — making the Ryzen 5 8500G the 77% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 8500G | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $179-47% | $340 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-56% | $340 |
| Performance per Dollar | 143.2+125% | 63.6 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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