Intel Core 5 120

Name: Intel Core 5 120
Brand: Intel
SKU: 3545

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Core 5 120 is a desktop CPU designed for the LGA 1700 socket. It features 12 threads and a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz, making it suitable for everyday computing tasks. Its thermal design power (TDP) is 65W, ensuring efficient power consumption during operation.

Key specifications of the Intel Core 5 120 include a turbo clock speed of 4.5 GHz, 7.5 MB of L2 cache, and 18 MB of L3 cache. It also supports integrated graphics with the UHD Graphics 730, offering a GPU clock speed of 300 MHz and a turbo boost of 1500 MHz. The CPU is compatible with DDR5 memory, supports a maximum memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, and has a maximum memory size of 192GB.

Pros

Supports integrated UHD Graphics 730 with a turbo boost up to 1500 MHz, offering sufficient performance for basic graphics tasks.
Equipped with 12 threads, making it suitable for multitasking and efficient handling of parallel workloads.
Supports DDR5 memory with a maximum speed of 4800 MHz, ensuring high memory performance for demanding applications.
Supports PCIe version 5, providing faster data transfer rates for compatible devices.

Cons

Does not have an unlocked multiplier, limiting overclocking potential for users seeking to push performance beyond stock speeds.
Does not support ECC memory, which may be a limitation for applications requiring error-correcting memory for critical tasks.
Does not utilize big.LITTLE technology, potentially limiting energy efficiency in certain workloads compared to processors with such capabilities.

Who is this for?

The Intel Core 5 120 is well-suited for general desktop users, including those who engage in multitasking and basic multimedia tasks. With its 12 threads and a turbo boost up to 4.5 GHz, it provides ample power for productivity applications and light gaming. Its integrated UHD Graphics 730 makes it a good choice for users who do not require a dedicated GPU for everyday tasks such as web browsing, office work, and media consumption. The support for DDR5 memory with a max speed of 4800 MHz also ensures smooth operation for typical office or home setups.

Who is this NOT for?

This CPU is not ideal for users seeking high-end gaming or content creation workloads that demand significant processing power or GPU capabilities. Its integrated graphics may struggle with intensive 3D rendering or AAA gaming. Additionally, it lacks support for overclocking due to the absence of an unlocked multiplier, making it unsuitable for users who want to push the processor beyond its stock speeds. It also does not support ECC memory, limiting its appeal for use in workstations or applications requiring high memory reliability.

General info:

Type	Desktop
CPU socket	LGA 1700
Has integrated graphics	✓
release date	August 2025
Thermal Design Power (TDP)	65W
semiconductor size	10 nm
CPU temperature	100 °C
PCI Express (PCIe) version	5
Supports 64-bit	✓

The Intel Core 5 120 is a desktop CPU designed for the LGA 1700 socket. It operates with a thermal design power (TDP) of 65W and is built on a 10 nm semiconductor process. The CPU also supports integrated graphics, specifically the UHD Graphics 730, and is compatible with PCIe version 5. Additionally, it fully supports 64-bit computing, and its maximum operating temperature is 100°C.

Performance:

CPU speed	6 x 2.5 GHz
CPU threads	12 threads
turbo clock speed	4.5GHz
Has an unlocked multiplier	✕
L2 cache	7.5 MB
L3 cache	18 MB
L2 core	1.25 MB/core
L3 core	3 MB/core
Uses big.LITTLE technology	✕
clock multiplier	25
Turbo Boost version	2

The Intel Core 5 120 features a total clock speed of 6 x 2.5 GHz with a turbo clock speed of 4.5 GHz, providing solid performance across various tasks. It is equipped with 12 threads, making it capable of handling multitasking efficiently. The CPU includes 7.5 MB of L2 cache and 18 MB of L3 cache to support faster data access. The chip does not support an unlocked multiplier, and it does not use big.LITTLE technology, ensuring a more traditional architecture with consistent performance.

Benchmarks:

Integrated graphics:

GPU clock speed	300 MHz
GPU name	UHD Graphics 730
GPU turbo	1500 MHz
GPU execution units	24
DirectX version	DirectX 12
supported displays	4
OpenGL version	4.5
OpenCL version	3
texture mapping units (TMUs)	12
render output units (ROPs)	8
shading units	192

The Intel Core 5 120 is equipped with integrated UHD Graphics 730, offering a GPU clock speed of 300 MHz and a turbo boost up to 1500 MHz. This GPU features 24 execution units and supports up to 4 displays. It is compatible with DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and OpenCL 3, while providing 12 texture mapping units and 8 render output units for graphics rendering tasks.

Memory:

RAM speed (max)	4800 MHz
maximum memory bandwidth	76.8 GB/s
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
maximum memory amount	192GB
Supports ECC memory	✕

The Intel Core 5 120 supports DDR5 memory with a maximum RAM speed of 4800 MHz and a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. It features two memory channels and supports up to 192GB of memory. However, it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Features:

instruction sets	MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
uses multithreading	✓
Has NX bit	✓

The Intel Core 5 120 includes several advanced features, such as support for multithreading and NX bit technology, enhancing its security and multitasking capabilities. It also supports a range of instruction sets, including MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, and SSE 4.1/4.2, which improve performance across various computational tasks.

Final Verdict

The Intel Core 5 120 is a solid desktop CPU suitable for general productivity tasks, multitasking, and light gaming. Its support for DDR5 memory and efficient UHD Graphics 730 makes it a great choice for users who do not require high-end graphics or extreme performance. While it excels in everyday computing and offers decent speed with a turbo boost of up to 4.5 GHz, it may not meet the needs of users looking for overclocking capabilities or intensive workloads. Overall, this processor is well-suited for casual users and office environments.