Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
20Single-core92.9
20Multi-core98.4
20Gamingspec-based71.3
2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212017 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K wins this desktop processor face-off, 90 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+78) and single-core (+73). 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 $589
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Stronger single-core score: 93 vs 20
- Stronger multi-core score: 98 vs 20
- 7900% higher L2 cache: 40 MB vs 1 MB
- 2701% higher PassMark: 67,224 vs 2,400
- 1281% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 22,091 vs 1,600
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2024+1% |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 32 nm | 3 nm+91% |
| 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 Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 24+1100% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 8+300% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 16 |
| Threads | 4 | 24+500% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+12% |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 5.7 GHz+73% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 40 MB+7900% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 36 MB+1100% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | Intel Graphics |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 2,000 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 256 GB+700% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 5+150% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Bottom 1% | 3,265+319%Top 7% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Bottom 1% | 22,091+1281%Top 5% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 2,382Top 2% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 42,460Top 3% |
| PassMark | 2,400Bottom 1% | 67,224+2701%Top 3% |
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