Intel Core i3-2120 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Core i3-2120 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Sandy Bridge desktop part at 3.3 GHz with Hyper-Threading for office and home towers.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- February 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i3
- Clocks
- 3.3 GHz
Intel Core i3-2120 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.3 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 2000 (850 MHz to 1100 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i3-2120 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1155 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 series | Z77, Z75, H77, B75, Q77, Q75 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series: H61, H67, P67, Z68 | Z68, P67, H67, H61 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series business: B65, Q65, Q67 | Q67, Q65, B65 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1155.
LGA 1155 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,155 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i3-2120 is
Intel Core i3-2120 is a dual core Sandy Bridge desktop processor that Intel released in February 2011 for office and home towers. It runs at a fixed 3.3 GHz with no turbo and includes Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 3 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 65 W on a 32 nm process.
The i3-2120 sat near the top of the early Sandy i3 range on clocks. Reviews noted strong everyday speed for the price. Light gaming with a discrete card stays possible, though quad cores lead in threaded work.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics 2000 at 850 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block covers dual office monitors. A boxed cooler ships with retail stock.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i3-2120 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. All 6 series and 7 series boards boot Sandy duals directly. H61 and B75 suit office builds, while P67 and Z series add tuning that this locked part does not use.
Check that the board exposes the display outputs needed for the integrated block. P67 boards skip onboard video entirely. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide details that split.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1333, two channels, up to 32 GB. Retail boards commonly run DDR3-1333 with this chip. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. A basic discrete card can add outputs or 3D speed where needed.
Cooling is the stock 65 W heatsink on 75 × 75 mm spacing. Aftermarket towers for this pattern are common and quiet.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the i3-2120 can move to the i3-2130 for 100 MHz more, or to a Core i5 for quad cores. DDR3 and drives carry over. A low power i3 alternative on the same socket is Intel Core i3-2120T.
A move to a DDR4 platform needs a new board and RAM. Keep the i3-2120 tower for office spare use.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i3-2120 use?
It uses LGA 1155. All 6 series and 7 series boards boot it directly.
How is the Core i3-2120 different from the i3-2100?
The i3-2120 runs at 3.3 GHz. The i3-2100 runs at 3.1 GHz. Other specs match.
What memory does the Core i3-2120 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Does the Core i3-2120 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Two cores give 4 threads.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i3-2120 Specs (TechSpot, 3.3 GHz, 4 threads, 65 W, HD2000, Feb 2011)
- Intel Core i3-2120 3.3 GHz 2 cores 65 W LGA1155 (PassMark, Q1 2011)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .