Core 5 120
CPU·Entry

Core 5 120

Intel

PassMark

21,629

MSRP

$340

AVG Price

$340

31 July 2025 (less than a year ago)
65 Watt
Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)

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.

Overview

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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120

#290
Core i9-10900KF
MSRP: $509|Avg: $336
104%
#291
Core i9-14900T
MSRP: $549|Avg: $577
104%
#291
Core i9-7900X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $188
33%
#292
Core i5-13500T
MSRP: $342|Avg: $342
104%
#293
Core i3-10300
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $140.49
104%
#294
Core i9-7920X
MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236
31%
#294
Core i9-10900F
MSRP: $464|Avg: $300
104%
#295
Ryzen 7 5800X3D
MSRP: $449|Avg: $429
104%
#295
Core i9-7940X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $275
29%
#296
Core i7-9700F
MSRP: $323|Avg: $200
103%
#297
Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1419
103%
#298
Core i9-7960X
MSRP: $1699|Avg: $185
26%
#298
Core i5-9500F
MSRP: $187|Avg: $154
102%
#299
Core i9-11900KB
MSRP: $539|Avg: $350
102%
#299
Core i9-7980XE
MSRP: $1999|Avg: $300
23%
#300
Core i7-10700F
MSRP: $310|Avg: $250
101%
#301
Core i7-10700T
MSRP: $355|Avg: $200
101%
#302
Core i7-6900K
MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089
21%
#302
Celeron G5920
MSRP: $52|Avg: $40
101%
#303
Core i7-5960X
MSRP: $999|Avg: $83
21%
#303
Core i3-10105T
MSRP: $122|Avg: $122
101%
#304
Core i7-6950X
MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180
16%
#304
Celeron G5900
MSRP: $50|Avg: $42
100%
#305
Core 5 120
MSRP: $340|Avg: $340
100%
#306
Core i7-12700T
MSRP: $339|Avg: $337
99%
#307
Core 3 100HL
MSRP: $306|Avg: $280
99%
#308
Core i9-11900F
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $358.87
97%
#309
Core i9-9900T
MSRP: $423|Avg: $215
97%
#310
Core i5-9500T
MSRP: $192|Avg: $132
96%
#311
Ryzen 7 PRO 5750GE
MSRP: $349|Avg: $349
95%
#312
Core i9-10940X
MSRP: $784|Avg: $460
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 5 120 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core 5 120 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture, manufactured on a 10 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 18 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 21,629, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Current Gen generation product.

SpecificationCore 5 120
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost4.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designRaptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient10 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores18 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache80 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor163 mm2
64-bit SupportYes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score21,629
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Memory & Platform

The Core 5 120 fits into the LGA1700 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory.

SpecificationCore 5 120
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1700
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 5.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4, DDR5
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 5 120 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore 5 120
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
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Value Analysis

At an average price of $340, the Core 5 120 delivers 64 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #701 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore 5 120
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$340
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$340
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$211
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#701
Release DateLaunch date31 July 2025 (less than a year ago)
Release Year2025
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

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