Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i5-9400F
20Single-core30.1
20Multi-core27.9
20Gaming27.8
1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212013 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9400F
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-9400F wins this desktop processor face-off, 28.5 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+10) and Multi-core (+8). 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
- 14% higher Base clock: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz
- Lower launch price: $138 vs $157
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9400F
- Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 20
- Stronger Multi-core score: 28 vs 20
- Stronger gaming score: 28 vs 20
- 300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB
- 288% higher PassMark: 9,300 vs 2,400
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2019 |
| 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 i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 6+200% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 6+200% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 6+50% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz+14% | 2.9 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.1 GHz+24% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 2 MB+200% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 9 MB+200% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | — |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 3+50% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Top 100% | 1,400+79%Top 72% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Top 100% | 4,500+181%Top 82% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,080Top 83% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 5,900Top 79% |
| PassMark | 2,400Top 100% | 9,300+288%Top 79% |
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