Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i5-6600K
20Single-core29
20Multi-core24
20Gamingspec-based23.8
2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212014 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-6600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 25.4 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+9) 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
- 29% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 91 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $138 vs $242
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-6600K
- Stronger single-core score: 29 vs 20
- Stronger multi-core score: 24 vs 20
- 167% higher PassMark: 6,400 vs 2,400
- 109% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 3,350 vs 1,600
- 100% higher cores: 4 vs 2
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2015 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm+56% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+29% | 91 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| 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
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,150 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 3+50% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Bottom 1% | 1,300+67%Bottom 19% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Bottom 1% | 3,350+109%Bottom 9% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,110Bottom 17% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 4,050Bottom 9% |
| PassMark | 2,400Bottom 1% | 6,400+167%Bottom 8% |
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