i5-10310U vs i3-2120

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Aggregate performance score

Core i3-2120
2011
2 cores / 4 threads, 65 Watt
1.28
Core i5-10310U
2020
4 cores / 8 threads, 15 Watt
4.21
+229%

Core i5-10310U outperforms Core i3-2120 by a whopping 229% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking22991397
Place by popularity93not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation0.14no data
Market segmentDesktop processorLaptop
Seriesno dataIntel Comet Lake
Power efficiency1.8025.59
Architecture codenameSandy Bridge (2011−2013)Comet Lake-U (2019−2020)
Release date20 February 2011 (13 years ago)13 May 2020 (4 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$95no data

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

no data

Detailed specifications

Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores2 (Dual-core)4 (Quad-Core)
Threads48
Base clock speed3.3 GHz1.7 GHz
Boost clock speed3.3 GHz4.4 GHz
Bus rate5 GT/s4 GT/s
L1 cache64 KB (per core)256 KB
L2 cache256 KB (per core)1 MB
L3 cache3 MB (shared)6 MB
Chip lithography32 nm14 nm
Die size131 mm2no data
Maximum core temperature69 °C100 °C
Number of transistors504 millionno data
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility-+

Compatibility

Information on Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration11
SocketFCLGA1155FCBGA1528
Power consumption (TDP)65 Watt15 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVXIntel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX2
AES-NI-+
FMA-+
AVX-+
vProno data+
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++
Speed Shiftno data+
My WiFino data+
Turbo Boost Technology-2.0
Hyper-Threading Technology++
Idle States++
Thermal Monitoring++
Flex Memory Access++
SIPP-+
FDI+no data
Fast Memory Access+no data

Security technologies

Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT++
EDB+no data
Secure Keyno data+
MPX-+
Identity Protection++
SGXno dataYes with Intel® ME
OS Guardno data+

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U are enumerated here.

VT-d-+
VT-x++
EPT++

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR3DDR3, DDR4
Maximum memory size32 GB64 GB
Max memory channels22
Maximum memory bandwidth21 GB/s45.8 GB/s

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardIntel HD Graphics 2000Intel® UHD Graphics for 10th Gen Intel® Processors
Max video memoryno data32 GB
Quick Sync Video++
Clear Videono data+
Clear Video HD++
Graphics max frequency1.1 GHz1.15 GHz
Execution Unitsno data24
InTru 3D+no data

Graphics interfaces

Available interfaces and connections of Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U integrated GPUs.

Number of displays supported23
eDPno data+
DisplayPort-+
HDMI-+
DVIno data+

Graphics image quality

Maximum display resolutions supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U integrated GPUs, including resolutions over different interfaces.

4K resolution supportno data+
Max resolution over HDMI 1.4no data4096 x 2304@24Hz
Max resolution over eDPno data4096 x 2304@60Hz
Max resolution over DisplayPortno data4096 x 2304@60Hz

Graphics API support

APIs supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U integrated GPUs, sometimes API versions are included.

DirectXno data12
OpenGLno data4.5

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U.

PCIe version2.03.0
PCI Express lanes1616

Synthetic benchmark performance

Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.


Combined synthetic benchmark score

This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.

i3-2120 1.28
i5-10310U 4.21
+229%

Passmark

Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.

i3-2120 1956
i5-10310U 6439
+229%

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 1.28 4.21
Recency 20 February 2011 13 May 2020
Physical cores 2 4
Threads 4 8
Chip lithography 32 nm 14 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 65 Watt 15 Watt

i5-10310U has a 228.9% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 9 years, 100% more physical cores and 100% more threads, a 128.6% more advanced lithography process, and 333.3% lower power consumption.

The Core i5-10310U is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i3-2120 in performance tests.

Note that Core i3-2120 is a desktop processor while Core i5-10310U is a notebook one.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i3-2120 and Core i5-10310U, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

Vote for your favorite

Do you think we are right or mistaken in our choice? Vote by clicking "Like" button near your favorite CPU.


Intel Core i3-2120
Core i3-2120
Intel Core i5-10310U
Core i5-10310U

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Community ratings

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3.4 1656 votes

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Questions & comments

Here you can ask a question about Core i3-2120 or Core i5-10310U, agree or disagree with our judgements, or report an error or mismatch.