PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core 5 120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,629 points. Launch price was $211.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120

#637

Core i3-10300

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $140.49

104%

#638

Core i9-10900F

MSRP: $464|Avg: $300

104%

#639

E1-1500

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

104%

#640

Core i3-7101TE

MSRP: $117|Avg: $60

104%

#641

Core i7-9700F

MSRP: $323|Avg: $200

103%

#642

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1419

103%

#643

Core i9-11900KB

MSRP: $539|Avg: $350

102%

#644

Core i5-9500F

MSRP: $187|Avg: $154

102%

#645

Athlon 64 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $10

102%

#646

Core i7-10700F

MSRP: $310|Avg: $250

101%

#647

Core i7-7740X

MSRP: $339|Avg: $150

101%

#648

Core i7-10700T

MSRP: $355|Avg: $200

101%

#649

Celeron G5920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $40

101%

#650

Core i3-10105T

MSRP: $122|Avg: $122

101%

#651

Celeron G5900

MSRP: $50|Avg: $42

100%

#652

Core 5 120

MSRP: $340|Avg: $340

100%

#653

Celeron G1850

MSRP: $42|Avg: $30

100%

#654

Phenom X3 8600

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

100%

#655

Core i7-6700K

MSRP: $350|Avg: $142

99%

#656

Core i7-12700T

MSRP: $339|Avg: $337

99%

#657

Core 3 100HL

MSRP: $306|Avg: $280

99%

#658

Pentium E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

98%

#659

Athlon II X2 250u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $15

98%

#660

Celeron G530T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $17

98%

#661

Core i7-4790T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $102

97%

#662

FX-8370

MSRP: $199|Avg: $100

97%

#663

Core i3-3250

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

97%

#664

Core i9-11900F

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $358.87

97%

#665

Core i9-9900T

MSRP: $423|Avg: $215

97%

#666

Core i5-9500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $132

96%

#667

Core i3-2105

MSRP: $138|Avg: $30

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core 5 120 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core 5 120 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core 5 120 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture, manufactured on a 10 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 18 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 21,629, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Current Gen generation product.

Specification	Core 5 120
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	10 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	18 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	80 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	163 mm2
64-bit Support	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	21,629

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 5 120 fits into the LGA1700 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory.

Specification	Core 5 120
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1700
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4, DDR5
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core 5 120 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core 5 120
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $340, the Core 5 120 delivers 64 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #701 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core 5 120
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$340
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$340
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$211
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#701
Release DateLaunch date	31 July 2025 (less than a year ago)
Release Year	2025
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel