Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i5-11600K
20Single-core48
20Multi-core39.1
20Gaming39.8
2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212017 spec wins — Intel Core i5-11600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-11600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 42 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+28) and gaming (+20). 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
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $138 vs $262
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-11600K
- Stronger Single-core score: 48 vs 20
- Stronger Multi-core score: 39 vs 20
- Stronger gaming score: 40 vs 20
- 725% higher PassMark: 19,800 vs 2,400
- 500% higher L2 cache: 3 MB vs 1 MB
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1200 |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm+56% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 251 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 6+200% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 6+200% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 12+200% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.9 GHz+18% |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.9 GHz+48% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 3 MB+500% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 12 MB+300% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,300 MHz+18% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 4+100% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Top 100% | 1,870+140%Top 44% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Top 100% | 7,100+344%Top 56% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,500Top 44% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 11,100Top 50% |
| PassMark | 2,400Top 100% | 19,800+725%Top 48% |
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 i5-11600Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 3600VSIntel Core i5-11600Kvs Intel Core i9-9900KVSIntel Core i5-11600Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 3600XVSIntel Core i5-11600Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 5600GVS
