How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-2120 scores 20/100 overall; Intel Core i5-4690K scores 23.7/100. Intel Core i3-2120 wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-4690K wins 14.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-2120 and the Intel Core i5-4690K?

Intel Core i3-2120 advantages: 26% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 88 W; Lower launch price: $138 vs $242. Intel Core i5-4690K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 24 vs 20; Stronger Multi-core score: 23 vs 20; Stronger gaming score: 24 vs 20; 154% higher PassMark: 6,100 vs 2,400; 100% higher cores: 4 vs 2.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-2120 or Intel Core i5-4690K?

Intel Core i3-2120 launched cheaper at $138, versus $242 for the Intel Core i5-4690K.

Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i5-4690K

Intel

Intel Core i3-2120

$138

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-4690K

$242

20Single-core24.4

20Multi-core23.3

20Gaming23.8

1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212014 spec wins — Intel Core i5-4690K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-4690K wins this desktop processor face-off, 23.7 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+4) and gaming (+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

26% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 88 W
Lower launch price: $138 vs $242

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-4690K

Stronger Single-core score: 24 vs 20
Stronger Multi-core score: 23 vs 20
Stronger gaming score: 24 vs 20
154% higher PassMark: 6,100 vs 2,400
100% higher cores: 4 vs 2

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-4690K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-4690K
Announced	2011	2014
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
Process	32 nm	22 nm+31%
Base TDP	65 W+26%	88 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-4690K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-4690K
Cores	2	4+100%
Performance cores	2	4+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	4
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.5 GHz+6%
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	3.9 GHz+18%
L2 cache	1 MB	1 MB+100%
L3 cache	3 MB	6 MB+100%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-4690K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-4690K
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,200 MHz+9%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-4690K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-4690K
Memory support	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1600
Max memory	32 GB	32 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-4690K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-4690K
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i5-4690K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i5-4690K
Geekbench 6 (single)	780Top 100%	1,160+49%Top 88%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,600Top 100%	3,000+88%Top 93%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,020Top 86%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	—	3,700Top 93%
PassMark	2,400Top 100%	6,100+154%Top 90%

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