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 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-2120 is positioned at rank #911 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i3-2120

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

21737%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

20540%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

14914%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

4493%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

3559%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

3113%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1783%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1760%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1602%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1602%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1584%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1542%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1520%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1514%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1500%

#395

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

98%

#911

Core i3-2120

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

100%

#912

Pentium E6600

MSRP: $84|Avg: $50

99%

#913

Pentium E5500

MSRP: $75|Avg: $25

99%

#914

Pentium G3460

MSRP: $149|Avg: $25

99%

#915

Pentium E6700

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

99%

#916

Phenom II X4 820

MSRP: $150|Avg: $50

98%

#917

Core i7-3930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $150

98%

#919

Core i7-4930K

MSRP: $670|Avg: $100

98%

#920

Sempron LE-1250

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $20

98%

#921

Pentium E6500

MSRP: $84|Avg: $10

98%

#922

Core i5-2500

MSRP: $294|Avg: $69

97%

#924

Athlon II X4 605e

MSRP: $143|Avg: $25

96%

#925

Athlon II X4 610e

MSRP: $143|Avg: $20

96%

#926

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-2120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-2120 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-2120 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.3 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,979, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 534, while multi-core reaches 1,140. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 1,073.

Specification	Core i3-2120
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,979
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	1,073
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	534
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,140

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2120 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-2120
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 2000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H61,H67,P67,Z68,Q65,Q67,B75,H77,Q75,Q77,Z75,Z77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-2120
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-2120 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. It ships with the Yes stock cooler.

Specification	Core i3-2120
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $25 (MSRP: $138), the Core i3-2120 delivers 79 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #911 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2594 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-2120
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$138
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$25
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$95
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#911
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2594
Release DateLaunch date	20 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel