Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i9-12900K
20Single-core72.2
20Multi-core70.4
20Gamingspec-based63.8
3 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212016 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+52) and multi-core (+50). 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 $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 20
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 20
- 2700% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 1 MB
- 1613% higher PassMark: 41,103 vs 2,400
- 991% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 17,450 vs 1,600
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 32 nm | 10 nm+69% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 241 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 16+700% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 8+300% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 4 | 24+500% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz+3% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 5.2 GHz+58% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 14 MB+2700% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 30 MB+900% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 5+150% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Bottom 1% | 2,715+248%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Bottom 1% | 17,450+991%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,903Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 26,229Top 19% |
| PassMark | 2,400Bottom 1% | 41,103+1613%Top 24% |
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