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Intel Core 5 120U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£130
  • PassMark benchmark result: 15583
  • N. of physical cores: 10
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.0 GHz

Intel Core 5 120U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.0

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Performance

18.0%

7.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.6

Platform

1.0%

8.1

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.6

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    6.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.6

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    4.3

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.7
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.6

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    4.0

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core 5 120U is a mid-range mobile processor from the Raptor Lake-U Refresh series (Series 1), featuring a hybrid architecture with 10 cores (2 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 12 threads. It operates at a base power of 15W with a maximum turbo frequency of up to 5.0 GHz and includes 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache alongside integrated Intel Graphics with 80 execution units. Main pros include its high boost clock for snappy single-threaded performance, support for fast LPDDR5x-6400 memory, and excellent energy efficiency for thin-and-light laptops. However, its primary cons are the limited number of high-performance cores, which can bottleneck heavy multi-threaded workloads, and performance that is highly dependent on a laptop's specific cooling solution and power limits.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core 5 120U

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

6.0
Intel Core 5 120U has a technical score of 6.01 points, which is higher than that of 63.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Intel Core 5 120U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.2
Intel Core 5 120U has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is higher than 77% of products in this category.
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

mobile
Intel Core 5 120U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
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

FCBGA1744
Intel Core 5 120U uses the FCBGA1744 CPU socket, which is older than that of 71% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
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

x86-64
Intel Core 5 120U uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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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+

10
Intel Core 5 120U has 10 CPU cores, which is more than 77.1% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
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+

12
Intel Core 5 120U offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55.1% of processors and equal to 14.1% of processors.
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

5.0 GHz
Intel Core 5 120U reaches a boost clock of 5.0 GHz which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to that of 5.7% of processors.
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

2 x 1.4 GHz & 8 x 0.9 GHz
Intel Core 5 120U has a base clock of 2x1.4 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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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

10 nm
Intel Core 5 120U uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
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

Intel 7
Intel Core 5 120U is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
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

12 MB
Intel Core 5 120U has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% of processors.
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

6.5 MB
Intel Core 5 120U has an L2 cache of 6.5 MB which is larger than that of 71.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
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

928 KB
Intel Core 5 120U has an L1 cache of 928 KB which is larger than that of 83.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
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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

DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X
Intel Core 5 120U supports DDR DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X, which is newer than that of 97.3% of processors and equal to that of 2.7% of processors.
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

6,400 MHz
Intel Core 5 120U supports memory speeds up to 6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
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

LPDDR5X-6400 MHz
Intel Core 5 120U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5X-6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 90.9% of processors and equal to 2.4% of processors.
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

96 GB
Intel Core 5 120U supports up to 96 GB of memory, which is more than 56% of processors and equal to 5.8% of processors.
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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

yes
Intel Core 5 120U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
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

Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU
Intel Core 5 120U uses the Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 78.5% of processors and equal to that in 2.5% of processors.
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

80
Intel Core 5 120U has 80 GPU execution units, which is more than 91.7% of processors and equal to 3.3% of processors.
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

300 MHz
Intel Core 5 120U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
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

AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core 5 120U supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
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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

15 W
Intel Core 5 120U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
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

15 W
Intel Core 5 120U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
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

55 W
Intel Core 5 120U has a boost power of 55 W which is lower than that of 57.3% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
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

28 seconds
Intel Core 5 120U has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
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

yes
Intel Core 5 120U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core 5 120U vs the average processor

  • 43.3% better single-core performance
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,557 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,557 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,557 vs 2,483
  • 47.5% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (714 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (714 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.714 vs 484
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core 5 120U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X 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 120U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4).DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    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

    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core 5 120U has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    E-core cluster: 4 MB shared
    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 120U has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core 5 120U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake Refresh 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 120U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
    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

    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.6400 MHz vs 2933 MHz
  • 4 more CPU cores
    Intel Core 5 120U has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 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 120U has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.10 vs 6
  • 4 year/s newer release date
    Intel Core 5 120U has a newer release date than the average processor (2,024 vs 2,020).
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core 5 120U supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 43.3% better single-core performance
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,557 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 47.5% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (714 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 4 more CPU cores
    Intel Core 5 120U has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 41.6% higher single-core score
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,083 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core 5 120U has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 45.5% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,973 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 48% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (15,583 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2 wider front-end design
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core 5 120U has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core 5 120U uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core 5 120U uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • 2.42x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (928 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 2.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (6.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core 5 120U uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core 5 120U 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 DDR support
    Intel Core 5 120U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Intel Core 5 120U has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core 5 120U supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core 5 120U has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 50% more memory capacity
    Intel Core 5 120U 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 120U 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 120U 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 120U has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core 5 120U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core 5 120U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core 5 120U 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).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core 5 120U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,744 vs FP2).
  • 14 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core 5 120U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (14 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 30% less L3 per core
    Intel Core 5 120U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 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 120U 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)).
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core 5 120U 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 120U 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
  • 30% less L3 per core
    Intel Core 5 120U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 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 120U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core 5 120U 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 120U 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)
  • 14 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core 5 120U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (14 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    What it is: The ratio used to derive CPU frequency from the base clock.
    When it matters: When you tune or compare overclocking behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >33

    Intel Core 5 120U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (14 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.14 vs 28
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core 5 120U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,744 vs FP2).
    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

    Intel Core 5 120U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,744 vs FP2).FCBGA1744 vs FP2
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Cache & Architecture
Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core 5 120U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core 5 120U?

  • Efficient performance for daily tasks and opening multiple browser tabs
  • Improved single-core performance with a high boost clock of up to 5 GHz
  • Low power consumption (15W TDP) making it ideal for thin and light laptops
  • Supports modern high-speed RAM like DDR5 and LPDDR5x
  • Provides incremental performance gains over previous generation U-series chips like the i5-1335U

What customers dislike about Intel Core 5 120U?

  • Limited to only 2 Performance cores (P-cores), which can hinder heavy multitasking
  • Weak integrated graphics performance compared to competitors like Ryzen 8000 series
  • Significant latency penalty in gaming due to the hybrid core architecture
  • Lacks dedicated AI hardware (NPU) found in newer 'Ultra' series processors
  • Locked multiplier prevents any overclocking to boost performance

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
01/01/2024
Intel Core 5 120U - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core 5 120U is a Raptor Lake-U Refresh mobile processor launched in early 2024, featuring a 10-core hybrid architecture (2 P-cores, 8 E-cores) and 12 threads with a 15W TDP. Designed for efficient, thin-and-light laptops, it boosts up to 5.0 GHz to provide strong single-thread performance (~3,577 rating) and supports fast memory options like DDR5 and LPDDR5x. While...Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
11/11/2024
Dell Vostro 5640 review - Good for Office, Not Ideal for Heavy Work

The Dell Vostro 16 5640 is a 16-inch office laptop featuring a durable aluminum chassis, a lever-design lid for improved airflow, and a 16:10 display, offering strong, quiet performance with Intel Raptor Lake-U processors for daily tasks. Key benefits include excellent user-serviceable options with two SODIMM slots, a comfortable keyboard with NumPad, and solid battery life, though...Read more

P
pcworld.com
07/06/2024
Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE review: A bit weird, but still great

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a 16-inch cloud-gaming laptop featuring a 120Hz display and a durable design, though it utilizes a Core 5 120U processor that, while efficient, offers lower multi-core performance than its predecessor. Strengths include a crisp, high-refresh-rate screen, extensive connectivity with a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, and long-lasting battery life. However,...Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
09/06/2026
Intel Core 5 120U | LaptopMedia UK - LaptopMedia

The Intel Core 5 120U is a Raptor Lake-U Refresh processor featuring 10 cores (2P + 8E) and 12 threads, designed for efficient daily productivity and light multitasking with a 5.0 GHz boost clock. Benchmarks indicate strong single-core performance suitable for office tasks, with multi-core capabilities comparable to the Core i7-1355U while supporting modern LPDDR5x-6400 memory....Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
20/01/2024
Intel Core 5 120U | LaptopMedia

The Intel Core 5 120U is a "Raptor Lake-U Refresh" processor featuring a 10-core (2 E) configuration optimized for efficient performance in thin, lightweight notebooks. It supports modern standards like LPDDR5x-6400 RAM, Thunderbolt 4, and offers strong single-core speeds up to 5.0 GHz, making it excellent for daily productivity and office applications. While it provides improved...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
11/11/2024
Dell Vostro 5640 Review: Great for the Office (Core 5 120U Configuration)

The Dell Vostro 16 5640 is a professional-looking office laptop featuring a functional 16:10 display, a comfortable backlit keyboard with a NumPad, and a decent 1080p webcam. While it offers practical port selection (including USB-C, LAN, and SD reader), the chassis exhibits noticeable flex and the hinges require two hands to open, serving as key drawbacks. Internally, it boasts...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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