Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i3-8100
20Single-core26.3
20Multi-core23.7
20Gaming21.9
0 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212013 spec wins — Intel Core i3-8100
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i3-8100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 24 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+6) and Multi-core (+4). Intel Core i3-2120 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-2120
No decisive spec advantages — this side competes on price and preference.
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-8100
- Stronger Single-core score: 26 vs 20
- Stronger Multi-core score: 24 vs 20
- 154% higher PassMark: 6,100 vs 2,400
- 109% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 3,350 vs 1,600
- 100% higher cores: 4 vs 2
- Lower launch price: $117 vs $138
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2017 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm+56% |
| Base TDP | 65 W | 65 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | No |
| Cooler included | Yes | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 4+100% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 4+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+9% |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+9% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 1 MB+100% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 6 MB+100% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,100 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2400 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 3+50% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i3-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Top 100% | 1,200+54%Top 83% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Top 100% | 3,350+109%Top 90% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 3,800Top 92% |
| PassMark | 2,400Top 100% | 6,100+154%Top 90% |
Related comparisons
Intel Core i3-2120vs Intel Core i3-3220VSIntel Core i3-2120vs AMD Ryzen 3 1200VSIntel Core i3-2120vs Intel Core i5-3470VSIntel Core i3-2120vs Intel Core i5-4590VSIntel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i5-4690KVSIntel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i7-3770VSIntel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i7-4770VSIntel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i5-6500VS