Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i7-4790K
20Single-core29.7
20Multi-core27.2
20Gaming26.9
1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212015 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-4790K wins this desktop processor face-off, 27.9 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+10) and Multi-core (+7). 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
- 26% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 88 W
- Lower launch price: $138 vs $339
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K
- Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 20
- Stronger Multi-core score: 27 vs 20
- Stronger gaming score: 27 vs 20
- 271% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 2,400
- 188% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,600 vs 1,600
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1150 |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm+31% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+26% | 88 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 4+100% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 4+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 8+100% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 4 GHz+21% |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.4 GHz+33% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 1 MB+100% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 8 MB+167% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,250 MHz+14% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 3+50% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Top 100% | 1,350+73%Top 76% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Top 100% | 4,600+188%Top 80% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,100Top 80% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 5,250Top 83% |
| PassMark | 2,400Top 100% | 8,900+271%Top 82% |
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