Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i9-10900K
20Single-core41.9
20Multi-core48.2
20Gaming54.6
2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212016 spec wins — Intel Core i9-10900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-10900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.9 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+35) and Multi-core (+28). 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
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $138 vs $488
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-10900K
- Stronger Single-core score: 42 vs 20
- Stronger Multi-core score: 48 vs 20
- Stronger gaming score: 55 vs 20
- 888% higher PassMark: 23,700 vs 2,400
- 567% higher L3 cache: 20 MB vs 3 MB
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2020 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1200 |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm+56% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 250 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 10+400% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 10+400% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 20+400% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+12% |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 5.3 GHz+61% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 3 MB+400% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 20 MB+567% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,200 MHz+9% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 3+50% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Top 100% | 1,730+122%Top 50% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Top 100% | 10,400+550%Top 38% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,340Top 52% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 16,300Top 30% |
| PassMark | 2,400Top 100% | 23,700+888%Top 40% |
Related comparisons
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