How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-2120 scores 20/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790 scores 25.9/100. Intel Core i3-2120 wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790 wins 14.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-2120 and the Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i3-2120 advantages: 23% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 84 W; Lower launch price: $138 vs $303. Intel Core i7-4790 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 27 vs 20; Stronger Multi-core score: 26 vs 20; Stronger gaming score: 24 vs 20; 246% higher PassMark: 8,300 vs 2,400; 167% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 3 MB.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-2120 or Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i3-2120 launched cheaper at $138, versus $303 for the Intel Core i7-4790.

Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i7-4790

Intel

Intel Core i3-2120

$138

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790

$303

20Single-core27.2

20Multi-core25.9

20Gaming24.4

1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212014 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-4790 wins this desktop processor face-off, 25.9 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+7) and Multi-core (+6). 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 $303

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790

Stronger Single-core score: 27 vs 20
Stronger Multi-core score: 26 vs 20
Stronger gaming score: 24 vs 20
246% higher PassMark: 8,300 vs 2,400
167% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 3 MB

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4790
Announced	2011	2014
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
Process	32 nm	22 nm+31%
Base TDP	65 W+23%	84 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4790
Cores	2	4+100%
Performance cores	2	4+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	4 GHz+21%
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 i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4790
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 i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4790
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 i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4790
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-4790
Geekbench 6 (single)	780Top 100%	1,230+58%Top 82%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,600Top 100%	4,050+153%Top 84%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	—	4,600Top 85%
PassMark	2,400Top 100%	8,300+246%Top 84%

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