OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v1.0
Processors Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Processors Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Processors Methodology v1.0

Intel Core 5 120U Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130PassMark benchmark result:15583N. of physical cores:10CPU boost clock speed:5.0 GHzCPU socket:FCBGA1744TDP (Thermal design power):15 W

Intel Core 5 120U Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

90%

6.8

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 67% of processors
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

60%

6.4

Performance

18%

7.2

Cache & Architecture

10%

7.5

Memory & PCIe

7%

8.0

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

8.1

Integrated Graphics

â–²Better than 68% of processors
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    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.
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core 5 120U

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components:

60%

6.4

Performance

18%

7.2

Cache & Architecture

10%

7.5

Memory & PCIe

7%

8.0

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

8.1

Integrated Graphics

6.8
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Intel Core 5 120U has a popularity score of 1 point, which is higher than that of 0% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components:

60%

6.8

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

7.7
Brand name
Intel
Processor type
mobile
Processor type
mobile
â–¼ Worse than 44% of models
This processor 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
FCBGA1744
CPU socket
FCBGA1744
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
This processor uses the FCBGA1744 CPU socket, which is older than that of 71.8% of processors and equal to that of 5% of processors.
Chipset
N/A
CPU architecture
x86-64
CPU architecture
x86-64
â–² Better than 2% of models
This processor 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.
Show more
N. of physical cores
10
N. of physical cores
10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 10 CPU cores, which is more than 77.1% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
CPU threads
12
CPU threads
12
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55% of processors and equal to 14.1% of processors.
Threads per core
?
CPU boost clock speed
5 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
5 GHz
â–² Better than 80% of models
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 5 GHz which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to that of 5.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
2x 1.4 GHz & 8x 0.9 GHz
CPU base clock speed
2x 1.4 GHz & 8x 0.9 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This processor has a base clock of 2x1.4 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz which is lower than that of 67.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
10 nm
Semiconductor size
10 nm
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.4% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 7
Foundry
Intel 7
â–² Better than 66% of models
This processor 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
12 MB
L3 cache
12 MB
â–² Better than 54% of models
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor 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
6.5 MB
L2 cache
6.5 MB
â–² Better than 71% of models
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 6.5 MB which is larger than that of 71.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
L1 cache
928 KB
L1 cache
928 KB
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 928 KB which is larger than that of 83.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X
DDR memory version
DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X
★ Better than 97% of models
This processor 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
6,400 MHz
Maximum memory speed
6,400 MHz
â–² Better than 84% of models
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 6,400 MHz, which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
LPDDR5X-6400 MHz
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
LPDDR5X-6400 MHz
★ Better than 90% of models
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5X-6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 90.2% of processors and equal to 2.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
96 GB
Maximum memory capacity
96 GB
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 96 GB of memory, which is more than 56% of processors and equal to 5.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
Integrated graphics
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This processor includes integrated graphics. 12.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU
Integrated GPU model
Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU
â–² Better than 79% of models
This processor 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
80
Integrated GPU execution units
80
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 80 GPU execution units, which is more than 91.7% of processors and equal to 3.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 MHz
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 MHz
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 58.1% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
AV1 (HW decode)
Integrated media encoders/decoders
AV1 (HW decode)
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
This processor supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
15 W
TDP (Thermal design power)
15 W
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 78% of processors and equal to that of 16% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
15 W
Base power (PL1)
15 W
â–² Better than 77% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.3% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
55 W
Boost power (PL2)
55 W
â–² Better than 57% of models
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 55 W which is lower than that of 56.6% of processors and equal to that of 6.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
â–¼ Worse than 10% of models
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.4% of processors and equal to that of 86.1% of processors.
Configurable TDP
yes
Configurable TDP
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This processor supports configurable TDP. 47.3% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core 5 120U vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceCache & ArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated GraphicsPower & Thermal
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Microarchitecture codename
    Raptor Lake Refresh
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
    Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • 42.3% better single-core performance
    PassMark single-core benchmark score
    3,557
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <1.4k – >4k
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,557 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    3,557 vs 2,500
  • 4 more CPU cores
    N. of physical cores
    10
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    10 vs 6
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    5.0 GHz
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor 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
  • Newer DDR support
    DDR memory version
    DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
    DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • 46% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Cinebench R20 single-core benchmark score
    714
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <282 – >775
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (714 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    714 vs 489
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    L2 per core
    1.25 MB/core
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/core
    This processor 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
    1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Maximum memory speed
    6,400 MHz
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6400 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
    6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
  • Advanced security extensions
    Security extensions
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TDT, TME, TME-MK
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This processor provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TDT, TME, TME-MK vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TDT, TME, TME-MK vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor
  • 4 years newer release date
    Release date
    2024
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2024 vs 2020).
    January 2024
    2024 vs 2020
  • Supports HMP
    Uses HMP
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This processor supports HMP, the average processor does not. 22.7% of processors support HMP.
  • 42.3% better single-core performance
    PassMark single-core benchmark score
    3,557
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <1.4k – >4k
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,557 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    3,557 vs 2,500
  • 4 more CPU cores
    N. of physical cores
    10
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    10 vs 6
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    5.0 GHz
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor 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
  • 46% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Cinebench R20 single-core benchmark score
    714
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <282 – >775
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (714 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    714 vs 489
  • 41.6% higher single-core score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    2083
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <561 – >2.7k
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2083 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,083 vs 1,471
  • 47.4% higher PassMark score
    PassMark benchmark result
    15,583
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (15,583 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    15,583 vs 10,572.5
  • 44.4% higher multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    6,973
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <763 – >14k
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,973 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    6,973 vs 4,829
  • 4 more CPU threads
    CPU threads
    12
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <4 – >24
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 2 wider front-end design
    Front-end width
    6
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <2 – >7
    This processor has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
    6 vs 4
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Microarchitecture codename
    Raptor Lake Refresh
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
    Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    L2 per core
    1.25 MB/core
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/core
    This processor 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
    1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    big.LITTLE Architecture
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not. 20.5% of processors use a big.LITTLE design.
  • 2.42x larger L1 cache
    L1 cache
    928 KB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (928 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    928 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2.6x larger L2 cache
    L2 cache
    6.5 MB
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
    This processor 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.
    6.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • More advanced foundry
    Foundry
    Intel 7
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Semiconductor size
    10 nm
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
    This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    10 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    L3 cache
    12 MB
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    12 MB vs 8 MB
  • Newer DDR support
    DDR memory version
    DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
    DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR4X/LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Maximum memory speed
    6,400 MHz
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6400 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
    6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
  • Newer PCIe version
    PCIe version
    4.0
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3).
    4.0 vs 3.0
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    PCIe lane count
    20
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <10 – >30
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 vs 16
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    LPDDR5X-6400 MHz
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (LPDDR5X-6400 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    LPDDR5X-6400 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 50% more memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    96 GB
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (96 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    96 GB vs 64 GB
  • 3.33x more GPU execution units
    Integrated GPU execution units
    80
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <6 – >64
    This processor has more GPU execution units than the average processor (80 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    80 vs 24
  • Better integrated GPU
    Integrated GPU model
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This processor uses a better integrated GPU than the average processor (Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • 1 more supported displays
    Maximum supported displays
    4
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <1 – >6
    This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
    4 vs 3
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Base power (PL1)
    15 W
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor 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.
    15 W vs 45 W
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    15 W
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    15 W vs 45 W
  • Narrower instruction support
    Instruction sets
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This processor 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
    L3 per core
    1.2 MB/core
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 MB/core vs 1.7 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
    Integrated media encoders/decoders
    AV1 (HW decode)
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This processor 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)
  • Lower base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    2 x 1.4 GHz & 8 x 0.9 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (2x1.4 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    2x1.4 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 14 lower clock multiplier
    Clock multiplier
    14
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <16 – >38
    This processor 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
    CPU socket
    FCBGA1744
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This processor uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1744 vs FP4).
    FCBGA1744 vs FP4
  • Narrower instruction support
    Instruction sets
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This processor 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
  • Older CPU socket
    CPU socket
    FCBGA1744
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This processor uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1744 vs FP4).
    FCBGA1744 vs FP4
  • Lower base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    2 x 1.4 GHz & 8 x 0.9 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (2x1.4 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    2x1.4 GHz & 8x0.9 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 14 lower clock multiplier
    Clock multiplier
    14
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <16 – >38
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (14 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    14 vs 28
  • 30% less L3 per core
    L3 per core
    1.2 MB/core
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.2 MB/core vs 1.7 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
    Integrated media encoders/decoders
    AV1 (HW decode)
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This processor 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)

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
DAKSH COMPUTER
≈ estimated
04/07/2026
Full review · student and office use
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U suits students and office work, but not for gaming or professional editing.
4.0
Shiv Tech Smart
≈ estimated
03/01/2026
Hands-on review · gaming, battery and performance tests
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U is a decent processor, but the basic display and high price make this laptop hard to recommend.
9.0
nickscomputerfix
≈ estimated
20/09/2026
Unboxing and review · features, performance and setup
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U laptop is fast and well built, suited to light gaming and 1080p video editing.
8.0
Dikho's Tech Digest
≈ estimated
06/07/2026
First look · design, features and everyday use
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U is a practical laptop for students and office work that balances performance and value well.
8.0
ZeroPoint Gadgets
≈ estimated
19/06/2026
Short review · features and everyday use
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U is a lightweight, capable laptop for students and productivity, balancing speed and portability.
8.0
Techo AV
≈ estimated
14/05/2026
First look · unboxing and key features
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U laptop is a solid everyday machine and may be one of the best value picks for 2026.
8.0
OurTechRoom
≈ estimated
07/12/2025
Spec comparison · clocks, cores, benchmarks and price
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U is the pick for higher clocks and benchmarks; the older chip only makes sense if you need a lower price.
8.0
OurTechRoom
≈ estimated
06/12/2025
Spec comparison · clocks, cores, benchmarks and price
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120U is the pick for higher clocks and benchmarks; the older chip only makes sense if you need a lower price.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What we 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 we don't like 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

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.

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