Name: Intel Core 5 120HL
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core 5 120HL

Overall score

7.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

7.8

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

Performance

8.0

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cache & Architecture

7.7

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

Memory & PCIe

6.8

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

Integrated Graphics

8.1

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

Power & Thermal

6.6

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

Intel Core 5 120HL vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core 5 120HL better than the average processor?

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6 more CPU cores
Intel Core 5 120HL has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 8+
Intel Core 5 120HL has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.12 vs 6
4x more L2 per core
Intel Core 5 120HL has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=1 MB/core
Intel Core 5 120HL has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
3.8x larger L2 cache
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (9.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=6 MB
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (9.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.9.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
8 more CPU threads
Intel Core 5 120HL has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 16+
Intel Core 5 120HL has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.16 vs 8
Uses big.LITTLE design
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
What it is: Combines high-performance cores with lower-power efficiency cores instead of relying on just one core type.
When it matters: When you want strong burst performance in demanding tasks without wasting as much power during lighter background work.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake).Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake
Newer PCIe version
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 4.0
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).4.0 vs 3.0
Newer DDR support
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: DDR5
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,700 vs FP2).
4 year/s newer release date
Intel Core 5 120HL has a newer release date than the average processor (2,024 vs 2,020).
Supports HMP
Intel Core 5 120HL supports HMP, the average processor does not.
6 more CPU cores
Intel Core 5 120HL has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
8 more CPU threads
Intel Core 5 120HL has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
9.3% higher boost clock
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
2 wider front-end design
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
4x more L2 per core
Intel Core 5 120HL has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
3.8x larger L2 cache
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (9.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
Uses big.LITTLE design
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
2.25x larger L3 cache
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
2x larger L1 cache
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
More advanced foundry
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
16.7% smaller process node
Intel Core 5 120HL has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
Newer PCIe version
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
Newer DDR support
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
4 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core 5 120HL has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
77.3% higher memory speed
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,200 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
50% more memory capacity
Intel Core 5 120HL has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (96 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
3.33x more GPU execution units
Intel Core 5 120HL has more GPU execution units than the average processor (80 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
Better integrated GPU
Intel Core 5 120HL uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
1 more supported displays
Intel Core 5 120HL has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.

Why is Intel Core 5 120HL worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core 5 120HL has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
Narrower media codec support
Intel Core 5 120HL supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
48.4% higher boost power
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core 5 120HL supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
Narrower media codec support
Intel Core 5 120HL supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core 5 120HL supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core 5 120HL has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core 5 120HL has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
48.4% higher boost power
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <50 W
Intel Core 5 120HL has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.95 W vs 64 W

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core 5 120HL?

Efficient hybrid architecture with 12 cores (4 Performance, 8 Efficient) and 16 threads
Low base power consumption (TDP) of 45W, suitable for compact or energy-conscious builds
Flexible memory support for both DDR4 (3200 MT/s) and DDR5 (5200 MT/s)
Capable integrated graphics with Intel Iris Xe (80 execution units)
Support for modern features like PCIe Gen 4 and Thunderbolt 4
Strong multithreading performance for its power class

What customers dislike about Intel Core 5 120HL?

Locked multiplier prevents easy overclocking for performance enthusiasts
Relatively high MSRP ($279) compared to some newer or more powerful desktop alternatives
Lacks support for the newer AVX-512 instruction set
PCIe lanes for the CPU are limited to Gen 4 x8
Naming nomenclature ('Core 5' Series 1) can be confusing compared to traditional i5 branding

Intel Core 5 120HL Review | 78 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core 5 120HL

Intel Core 5 120HL vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core 5 120HL better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Core 5 120HL worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Core 5 120HL and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core 5 120HL?

What customers dislike about Intel Core 5 120HL?

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