Name: Intel Core i3 3120M
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 3120M

Overall score

3.6

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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

6.7

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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

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

2.9

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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

N/A

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

4.1

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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

3.4

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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

6.7

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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

5.7

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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

N/A

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 i3 3120M vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i3 3120M better than the average processor?

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10 °C lower CPU temperature
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <100 °C
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.90 °C vs 100 °C
98.1% faster classroom rendering
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,568.8 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,568.8 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.1,568.83 vs 791.745
33.7% smaller die size
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².118 mm² vs 178 mm²
45.3% lower boost power
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (35 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 i3 3120M has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.35 W vs 64 W
27.78x cheaper
Intel Core i3 3120M is cheaper than the average processor (£9 vs £250).
Intel Core i3 3120M is cheaper than the average processor (£9 vs £250).£9 vs £250
22.2% lower base power
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
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
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.35 W vs 45 W
85.7% higher GPU clock speed
Intel Core i3 3120M has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
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
Intel Core i3 3120M has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.650 MHz vs 350 MHz
98.1% faster classroom rendering
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,568.8 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
33.7% smaller die size
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower die size than the average processor (118 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
85.7% higher GPU clock speed
Intel Core i3 3120M has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
10 °C lower CPU temperature
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
45.3% lower boost power
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
22.2% lower base power
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.

Why is Intel Core i3 3120M worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i3 3120M supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
8 year/s older release date
Intel Core i3 3120M has an older release date than the average processor (2,012 vs 2,020).
September 2012
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i3 3120M does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
72.9% lower single-core score
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (398 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
48.7% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,274 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
4 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i3 3120M has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
91.7% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (398 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
83.7% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,714 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
4 fewer CPU threads
Intel Core i3 3120M has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
37.5% lower bus speed
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
No Turbo Boost
Intel Core i3 3120M does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i3 3120M has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
80% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
62.5% smaller L3 cache
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
66.7% smaller L1 cache
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i3 3120M has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i3 3120M uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i3 3120M 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.
Less advanced foundry
Intel Core i3 3120M uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Older DDR support
Intel Core i3 3120M supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
45.4% lower memory speed
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
Older PCIe version
Intel Core i3 3120M supports an older PCIe version than the average processor (2 vs 3.0).
50% less memory capacity
Intel Core i3 3120M has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
Inferior integrated GPU
Intel Core i3 3120M uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
10 °C lower TJ Max
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i3 3120M does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
72.9% lower single-core score
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (398 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (398 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.398 vs 1,471
48.7% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,274 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 i3 3120M has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,274 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,274 vs 2,483
4 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i3 3120M has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 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 i3 3120M has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
91.7% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (398 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >8500
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (398 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.398 vs 4,793
83.7% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,714 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >19000
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,714 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.1,714 vs 10,532.5
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i3 3120M has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
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
Intel Core i3 3120M has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
80% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i3 3120M has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 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 i3 3120M has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
Older DDR support
Intel Core i3 3120M supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 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 i3 3120M supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

3.0

1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i3 3120M?

Capable of handling basic home and office tasks efficiently even years after release
Supports hyper-threading, allowing the dual-core chip to handle four threads for better multitasking
Energy-efficient Ivy Bridge architecture with a relatively low 35W TDP suitable for smaller laptops
Includes Intel HD Graphics 4000, which offers a performance boost over previous generations
Proven durability and reliability in budget-friendly office and desktop systems

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 3120M?

Lacks Intel Turbo Boost technology, limiting its ability to increase clock speed under heavy loads
Subject to thermal throttling in some laptops, leading to frame rate drops during sustained gaming
Outdated dual-core performance that struggles with modern AAA gaming or intensive multi-threaded apps
Cannot be undervolted or easily overclocked, limiting performance tuning options
Integrated graphics are insufficient for modern gaming titles and high-end video editing

Expert reviews

openbenchmarking.org

30/09/2013

Intel Core i3-3120M Benchmarks, Linux Performance - OpenBenchmarking.org

The Intel Core i3-3120M is a 2-core, 4-thread Ivy Bridge mobile processor from 2012 featuring a 2.5 GHz base clock, 3MB L3 cache, and Intel HD Graphics 4000. Based on data from OpenBenchmarking.org, this 22nm CPU serves as a legacy, entry-level unit, generally falling into lower performance percentiles in modern testing. Key advantages include its 35W TDP for power efficiency and...Read more

bild.de

09/07/2013

Review: No one needs more laptop than this (Asus F55A with i3-3120M)

a little longer A July 2013 review by Computer Bild assessed seven Windows notebooks under €650, concluding that this price bracket provides sufficient performance for everyday tasks, making high-end, expensive devices unnecessary for most users. Pros for these budget-friendly models include solid, all-rounder performance for office and home use, often featuring separate numeric...Read more

itjustgood.com

12/02/2024

Review & Feedback: Refurbished DELL Latitude 5590/E5530", "DELL Latitude 5590/E5530 Refurbished: Test & Review

The Dell Latitude E5530 is a robust, business-oriented 15.6-inch laptop featuring a durable Tri-Metal chassis with magnesium alloy corners, a 3rd Gen Intel Core i3-3120M processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 320GB hard drive. It is well-equipped with comprehensive connectivity options, including USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, and a built-in webcam, alongside support for professional docking stations....Read more

secondgoelectro.nl

Unknown

Intel Core i3-3120M Mobile Processor SR0TX

The Intel Core i3-3120M (SR0TX) is a 2.5 GHz dual-core processor from the Ivy Bridge architecture, utilizing a 22nm process and Socket G2 (rPGA988B) for mobile devices. It features integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 and 3MB L3 cache, supporting DDR3-1600 memory and Hyper-Threading. Key advantages include solid reliability for basic office tasks, energy efficiency, and moderate...Read more

laptopmedia.com

Intel Core i3-3120M - LaptopMedia

The Intel Core i3-3120M is a 22nm Ivy Bridge dual-core mobile processor, operating at a fixed 2.50 GHz with Hyper-Threading for entry-level, 35W TDP notebooks. It lacks Turbo Boost, offering only a 5-10% performance increase over Sandy Bridge predecessors, while providing stable, efficient performance for basic office work and web browsing. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 (16...Read more

Intel Core i3 3120M Review | 78 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 3120M

Intel Core i3 3120M vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i3 3120M better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Core i3 3120M worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 3120M and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i3 3120M?

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 3120M?

Expert reviews

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Compare Intel Core i3 3120M with other processors