Core 2 Extreme QX9770 vs Core i3-3120M

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Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Core 2 Extreme QX9770 Core 2 Extreme QX9775 Core 2 Quad Q8200 Core 2 Quad Q8300 Core 2 Quad Q8400 Core 2 Quad Q9300 Core 2 Quad Q9400 Core 2 Quad Q9450 Core 2 Quad Q9505 Core 2 Quad Q9550s Core 2 Quad Q9650

Aggregate performance score

Core i3-3120M
2012
2 cores / 4 threads, 35 Watt
1.07
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
2008
4 cores / 4 threads, 136 Watt
2.90
+171%

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 outperforms Core i3-3120M by a whopping 171% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Contents

i3-3120M i3-3120M
Core 2 Extreme QX9770 Core 2 Extreme QX9770

Primary details

Comparing Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking24101656
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Market segmentLaptopDesktop processor
SeriesIntel Core i3no data
Power efficiency2.892.02
Architecture codenameIvy Bridge (2012−2013)Yorkfield (2007−2009)
Release date30 September 2012 (12 years ago)March 2008 (16 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$160no data

Detailed specifications

Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 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)
Threads44
Base clock speed2.5 GHz3.2 GHz
Boost clock speed2.5 GHz3.2 GHz
Bus rate5 GT/s1600 MHz
L1 cache64K (per core)64K (per core)
L2 cache256K (per core)12 MB (shared)
L3 cache3 MB (shared)0 KB
Chip lithography22 nm45 nm
Die size118 mm22x 107 mm2
Maximum core temperature90C (PGA); 105C (BGA)no data
Maximum case temperature (TCase)no data55 °C
Number of transistorsno data820 million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility--
Unlocked multiplier-+
VID voltage rangeno data0.85V-1.3625V

Compatibility

Information on Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 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
SocketFCBGA1023,FCPGA988LGA775
Power consumption (TDP)35 Watt136 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® AVXno data
AVX+-
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++
My WiFi+no data
Turbo Boost Technology--
Hyper-Threading Technology+-
Idle States++
Thermal Monitoring++
Flex Memory Access+no data
Demand Based Switching--
FDI+no data
Fast Memory Access+no data
FSB parityno data-

Security technologies

Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

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

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 are enumerated here.

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

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR3DDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Maximum memory size32 GBno data
Max memory channels2no data
Maximum memory bandwidth25.6 GB/sno data

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardIntel HD Graphics 4000no data
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 i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770 integrated GPUs.

Number of displays supported3no data
eDP+no data
DisplayPort+-
HDMI+-
SDVO+no data
CRT+no data

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770.

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.

i3-3120M 1.07
Core 2 Extreme QX9770 2.90
+171%

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.

i3-3120M 1697
Core 2 Extreme QX9770 4611
+172%

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary

Performance score 1.07 2.90
Physical cores 2 4
Chip lithography 22 nm 45 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 35 Watt 136 Watt

i3-3120M has a 104.5% more advanced lithography process, and 288.6% lower power consumption.

Core 2 Extreme QX9770, on the other hand, has a 171% higher aggregate performance score, and 100% more physical cores.

The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i3-3120M in performance tests.

Be aware that Core i3-3120M is a notebook processor while Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is a desktop one.

Should you still have questions on choice between Core i3-3120M and Core 2 Extreme QX9770, 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 i3-3120M
Core i3-3120M
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
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Community ratings

Here you can see how users rate the processors, as well as rate them yourself.

3.5 438 votes

Rate Core i3-3120M on a scale of 1 to 5:

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3.7 241 vote

Rate Core 2 Extreme QX9770 on a scale of 1 to 5:

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Questions & comments

Here you can ask a question about Core i3-3120M or Core 2 Extreme QX9770, agree or disagree with our judgements, or report an error or mismatch.