Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i5-8400
20Single-core31.1
20Multi-core28.6
20Gamingspec-based27.2
1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212013 spec wins — Intel Core i5-8400
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-8400 wins this desktop processor face-off, 29 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+11) and multi-core (+9). 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
- 18% higher Base clock: 3.3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz
- Lower launch price: $138 vs $182
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-8400
- Stronger single-core score: 31 vs 20
- Stronger multi-core score: 29 vs 20
- 283% higher PassMark: 9,200 vs 2,400
- 206% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,900 vs 1,600
- 200% higher cores: 6 vs 2
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2017 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm+56% |
| Base TDP | 65 W | 65 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | No |
| Cooler included | Yes | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 6+200% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 6+200% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 6+50% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz+18% | 2.8 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 4 GHz+21% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 2 MB+200% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 9 MB+200% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,050 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 3+50% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Bottom 1% | 1,370+76%Bottom 22% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Bottom 1% | 4,900+206%Bottom 19% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,150Bottom 22% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 6,400Bottom 19% |
| PassMark | 2,400Bottom 1% | 9,200+283%Bottom 14% |
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