Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i7-5930K
20Single-core20.9
20Multi-core30.8
20Gamingspec-based37.7
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 multi-core (+11) and single-core (+1). 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
- 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
- 200% higher cores: 6 vs 2
General
| 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
| 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
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | — |
Memory
| 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
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 3+50% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 40+150% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Bottom 1% | 1,050+35%Bottom 7% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Bottom 1% | 5,050+216%Bottom 22% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 920Bottom 6% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 6,800Bottom 22% |
| PassMark | 2,400Bottom 1% | 13,300+454%Bottom 22% |
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