How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-2120 scores 20/100 overall; Intel Core i5-10400 scores 32.6/100. Intel Core i3-2120 wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-10400 wins 13.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-2120 and the Intel Core i5-10400?

Intel Core i3-2120 advantages: 14% higher Base clock: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz; Lower launch price: $138 vs $182. Intel Core i5-10400 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 20; Stronger Multi-core score: 32 vs 20; Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 20; 425% higher PassMark: 12,600 vs 2,400; 300% higher L3 cache: 12 MB vs 3 MB.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-2120 or Intel Core i5-10400?

Intel Core i3-2120 launched cheaper at $138, versus $182 for the Intel Core i5-10400.

Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i5-10400

Intel

Intel Core i3-2120

$138

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-10400

$182

20Single-core30.4

20Multi-core32.2

20Gaming36

1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212013 spec wins — Intel Core i5-10400

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-10400 wins this desktop processor face-off, 32.6 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+16) and Multi-core (+12). 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

14% higher Base clock: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz
Lower launch price: $138 vs $182

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-10400

Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 20
Stronger Multi-core score: 32 vs 20
Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 20
425% higher PassMark: 12,600 vs 2,400
300% higher L3 cache: 12 MB vs 3 MB

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-10400
Announced	2011	2020
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1200
Process	32 nm	14 nm+56%
Base TDP	65 W	65 W
Max turbo power	—	134 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-10400
Cores	2	6+200%
Performance cores	2	6+200%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	12+200%
Base clock	3.3 GHz+14%	2.9 GHz
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	4.3 GHz+30%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+200%
L3 cache	3 MB	12 MB+300%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-10400
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2000	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,100 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-10400
Memory support	DDR3-1333	DDR4-2666
Max memory	32 GB	128 GB+300%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-10400
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-10400
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-10400
Geekbench 6 (single)	780Top 100%	1,390+78%Top 73%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,600Top 100%	5,800+263%Top 70%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,100Top 80%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	—	8,000Top 71%
PassMark	2,400Top 100%	12,600+425%Top 73%

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