Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i5-12600K
20Single-core65.2
20Multi-core50.8
20Gamingspec-based52.1
2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212015 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-12600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 55.4 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+45) and multi-core (+31). 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 $318
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12600K
- Stronger single-core score: 65 vs 20
- Stronger multi-core score: 51 vs 20
- 1800% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 1 MB
- 1046% higher PassMark: 27,501 vs 2,400
- 567% higher L3 cache: 20 MB vs 3 MB
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 32 nm | 10 nm+69% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 150 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 10+400% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 6+200% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 16+300% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+12% |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.9 GHz+48% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 10 MB+1800% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 20 MB+567% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,450 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 5+150% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Bottom 1% | — |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Bottom 1% | — |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,809Top 38% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 16,878Top 37% |
| PassMark | 2,400Bottom 1% | 27,501+1046%Top 47% |
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