How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-2120 scores 20/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4770K scores 24.9/100. Intel Core i3-2120 wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4770K wins 14.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-2120 and the Intel Core i7-4770K?

Intel Core i3-2120 advantages: 23% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 84 W; Lower launch price: $138 vs $339. Intel Core i7-4770K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 25 vs 20; Stronger multi-core score: 26 vs 20; 233% higher PassMark: 8,000 vs 2,400; 167% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 3 MB; 153% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,050 vs 1,600.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-2120 or Intel Core i7-4770K?

Intel Core i3-2120 launched cheaper at $138, versus $339 for the Intel Core i7-4770K.

Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i7-4770K

Intel

Intel Core i3-2120

$138

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-4770K

$339

20Single-core24.8

20Multi-core25.7

20Gamingspec-based23.8

1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212014 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4770K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-4770K wins this desktop processor face-off, 24.9 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+6) and single-core (+5). 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

23% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 84 W
Lower launch price: $138 vs $339

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4770K

Stronger single-core score: 25 vs 20
Stronger multi-core score: 26 vs 20
233% higher PassMark: 8,000 vs 2,400
167% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 3 MB
153% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,050 vs 1,600

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-4770K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4770K
Announced	2011	2013
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
Process	32 nm	22 nm+31%
Base TDP	65 W+23%	84 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-4770K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4770K
Cores	2	4+100%
Performance cores	2	4+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
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	8 MB+167%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-4770K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4770K
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,250 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-4770K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4770K
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 i7-4770K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4770K
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-4770K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4770K
Geekbench 6 (single)	780Bottom 1%	1,190+53%Bottom 14%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,600Bottom 1%	4,050+153%Bottom 14%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,010Bottom 11%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	—	4,550Bottom 11%
PassMark	2,400Bottom 1%	8,000+233%Bottom 11%

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