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 Pentium G2120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) 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 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $88.

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 Pentium G2120

#413

Core i3-7100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $39

103%

#414

Core i3-4150T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $30

103%

#415

Core i5-12400

MSRP: $209|Avg: $195

103%

#416

Ryzen 5 7400

MSRP: $229|Avg: $229

102%

#417

Ryzen 9 9900X3D

MSRP: $599|Avg: $589

102%

#418

Pentium G6960

MSRP: $89|Avg: $15

102%

#419

Ryzen 5 5600X3D

MSRP: $229|Avg: $229

102%

#420

Core i7-5820K

MSRP: $389|Avg: $103

102%

#421

Celeron G555

MSRP: $52|Avg: $15

101%

#422

Core i5-6400

MSRP: $182|Avg: $57

101%

#423

Core i3-9350KF

MSRP: $173|Avg: $80

101%

#424

Ryzen 7 PRO 5755GE

MSRP: $220|Avg: $220

101%

#425

Core i3-9300

MSRP: $143|Avg: $75

101%

#426

Ryzen 7 3800XT

MSRP: $399|Avg: $249

100%

#427

Core i3-4370

MSRP: $149|Avg: $41

100%

#428

Pentium G2120

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

100%

#429

Core i7-4930K

MSRP: $670|Avg: $100

100%

#430

Pentium D 950

MSRP: $637|Avg: $10

100%

#431

Core i5-11400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $140

99%

#432

Core i5-4460S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $50

99%

#433

Core i9-7940X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $275

99%

#434

Core i3-10305

MSRP: $149|Avg: $100

98%

#435

Phenom X4 9600B

MSRP: $278|Avg: $20

98%

#436

Core i3-9320

MSRP: $154|Avg: $80

98%

#437

Core i5-2550K

MSRP: $235|Avg: $46

98%

#438

Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

98%

#439

Core i3-10105

MSRP: $122|Avg: $90

98%

#440

Core i7-4771

MSRP: $320|Avg: $78

98%

#441

Core i3-13100E

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

98%

#442

Core i9-13900F

MSRP: $524|Avg: $536

97%

#443

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

MSRP: $450|Avg: $20

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium G2120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium G2120 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium G2120 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 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 1,876, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium G2120
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 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	94 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,876

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium G2120 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Pentium G2120
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Pentium G2120 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Pentium G2120
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium G2120 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 55 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium G2120
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	55 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $86), the Pentium G2120 delivers 94 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2641 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium G2120
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$86
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$88
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2641
Release DateLaunch date	3 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$88
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	3 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2641

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Die Size	94 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.1 GHz
Process Technology	22 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	65 °C