Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core i5-2300 (Intel, 2011) and Core i3-2120 (Intel, 2011) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: i5-2300 is about 50% faster
Both use the same LGA1155 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | i5-2300 | i3-2120 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 4,800 | 3,200 |
| Generation | 2nd Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| Release Year | 2011 | 2011 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | GeForce GTX 690 | Radeon HD 7850 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | i5-2300 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Either works (same LGA1155 socket) |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i3-2120 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
i5-2300 is about 50% higher by score (i5-2300: 4800 points / i3-2120: 3200 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
Both are 2nd Gen-generation CPUs.Both use the same LGA1155 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, GeForce GTX 690 pairs well with i5-2300 and Radeon HD 7850 pairs well with i3-2120. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
