How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-2120 scores 20/100 overall; Intel Core i7-5930K scores 29.6/100. Intel Core i3-2120 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-5930K wins 17.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-2120 and the Intel Core i7-5930K?

Intel Core i3-2120 advantages: 54% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 140 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $138 vs $583. Intel Core i7-5930K advantages: Stronger Multi-core score: 31 vs 20; Stronger gaming score: 38 vs 20; 454% higher PassMark: 13,300 vs 2,400; 400% higher L3 cache: 15 MB vs 3 MB; 216% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 5,050 vs 1,600.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-2120 or Intel Core i7-5930K?

Intel Core i3-2120 launched cheaper at $138, versus $583 for the Intel Core i7-5930K.

Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i7-5930K

Intel

Intel Core i3-2120

$138

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-5930K

$583

20Single-core20.9

20Multi-core30.8

20Gaming37.7

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212017 spec wins — Intel Core i7-5930K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-5930K wins this desktop processor face-off, 29.6 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+18) and Multi-core (+11). 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

54% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 140 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $138 vs $583

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-5930K

Stronger Multi-core score: 31 vs 20
Stronger gaming score: 38 vs 20
454% higher PassMark: 13,300 vs 2,400
400% higher L3 cache: 15 MB vs 3 MB
216% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 5,050 vs 1,600

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-5930K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-5930K
Announced	2011	2014
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011-v3
Process	32 nm	22 nm+31%
Base TDP	65 W+54%	140 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-5930K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-5930K
Cores	2	6+200%
Performance cores	2	6+200%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	12+200%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.5 GHz+6%
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+200%
L3 cache	3 MB	15 MB+400%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-5930K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-5930K
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2000	—
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	—

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-5930K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-5930K
Memory support	DDR3-1333	DDR4-2133
Max memory	32 GB	64 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	4+100%

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-5930K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-5930K
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	40+150%

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-2120 versus Intel Core i7-5930K
Spec	Intel Core i3-2120	Intel Core i7-5930K
Geekbench 6 (single)	780Top 100%	1,050+35%Top 93%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,600Top 100%	5,050+216%Top 75%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	920Top 93%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	—	6,800Top 73%
PassMark	2,400Top 100%	13,300+454%Top 70%

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