i3-3217UE vs i3-2120

VS

Aggregate performance score

Core i3-2120
2011
2 cores / 4 threads, 65 Watt
1.23
+43%
Core i3-3217UE
2012
2 cores / 4 threads, 17 Watt
0.86

Core i3-2120 outperforms Core i3-3217UE by a considerable 43% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking23072557
Place by popularity98not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation0.14no data
Market segmentDesktop processorLaptop
Power efficiency1.794.79
Architecture codenameSandy Bridge (2011−2013)Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Release date20 February 2011 (13 years ago)1 August 2012 (12 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 i3-3217UE 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)2 (Dual-core)
Threads44
Base clock speed3.3 GHzno data
Boost clock speed3.3 GHz1.6 GHz
Bus rate5 GT/sno data
L1 cache64 KB (per core)64 KB (per core)
L2 cache256 KB (per core)256 KB (per core)
L3 cache3 MB (shared)3 MB (shared)
Chip lithography32 nm22 nm
Die size131 mm2118 mm2
Maximum core temperature69 °Cno data
Number of transistors504 millionno data
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility--

Compatibility

Information on Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE 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
SocketFCLGA1155Intel BGA1023
Power consumption (TDP)65 Watt17 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVXno data
AVX-+
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++
Turbo Boost Technology-no data
Hyper-Threading Technology++
Idle States+no data
Thermal Monitoring+-
Flex Memory Access+no data
FDI+no data
Fast Memory Access+no data

Security technologies

Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT+no data
EDB+no data
Identity Protection+-

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE are enumerated here.

VT-d-no data
VT-x++
EPT+no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR3unknown Dual-channel
Maximum memory size32 GBno data
Max memory channels2no data
Maximum memory bandwidth21 GB/sno data

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardIntel HD Graphics 2000Intel HD 4000
Quick Sync Video+-
Clear Video HD+no data
Graphics max frequency1.1 GHzno data
InTru 3D+no data

Graphics interfaces

Available interfaces and connections of Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE integrated GPUs.

Number of displays supported2no data

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE.

PCIe version2.0no data
PCI Express lanes16no data

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 1.23
+43%
i3-3217UE 0.86

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
+43.6%
i3-3217UE 1362

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 1.23 0.86
Recency 20 February 2011 1 August 2012
Chip lithography 32 nm 22 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 65 Watt 17 Watt

i3-2120 has a 43% higher aggregate performance score.

i3-3217UE, on the other hand, has an age advantage of 1 year, a 45.5% more advanced lithography process, and 282.4% lower power consumption.

The Core i3-2120 is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i3-3217UE in performance tests.

Note that Core i3-2120 is a desktop processor while Core i3-3217UE is a notebook one.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i3-2120 and Core i3-3217UE, 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 i3-3217UE
Core i3-3217UE

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Community ratings

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3.4 1692 votes

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Questions & comments

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