Performance difference between the i5 661 and the i3 2120?

[pfunkmd]

Just need a recommendation on what processor to go with I found the i5 in the same price as the i3.

 

[WR2]

Hello

Core i3-2120 is the higher performing CPU.

Passmark CPU benchmark scores:
Core i5 661 @ 3.33GHz = 3289
Core i3-2120 @ 3.30GHz = 4199

 

[esrever]

the i3 is more powerful. unless the i5 is cheaper there is no reason to consider it.

it does OC unlike the i3 tho.

 

[pfunkmd]

So if I oc the chip will it be better?

 

[kyraiki]

I would go with the i3, as it is LGA 1155 and that allows you to upgrade later if you feel the need to.

 

[WR2]

Core i3-2120 / socket 1155 motherboard does have a better upgrade path.

 

[pfunkmd]

Cool thanks i3 it is.

 

[WR2]

Have you picked out a motherboard yet?

 

[pfunkmd]

Yes i have a asrock z68 Extreme 3.

 

[WR2]

Nice. You'll have a clear upgrade path through the Ivy Bridge CPUs.

 

[pfunkmd]

Great thanks!! Looks like I will go with the i3 for now and later if needed i5,i7.

 

[MMO Fan]

Core i3-2120 / socket 1155 motherboard does have a better upgrade path.

An upgrade path is not going to help OP in the mean time after it could be a year or longer and by then better CPUs and chipsets will be out. What I suggest for the reason being the PC hardware world is so volatile is to just buy what will work for you now and not on the premise of an upgrade path that will most likely not exist or be redundant or both. I say this because most people use CPUs for YEARS not weeks or months where buying solely on an upgrade path would be justified.

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Since we generally try to give a board/chipset at least a 1 year life cycle, the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processors will be able to use socket 1155 and Z68 boards are going to be forward compatible with these 3rd generation processors there is a very clear upgrade path for the ASRock Z68 Extreme3.


Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[geekapproved]

i3-2120 and i5-661 are two completely different sockets. So the i5-661 won't even fit on your motherboard....so that makes the choice easy.

 

[kyraiki]

An upgrade path is not going to help OP in the mean time after it could be a year or longer and by then better CPUs and chipsets will be out. What I suggest for the reason being the PC hardware world is so volatile is to just buy what will work for you now and not on the premise of an upgrade path that will most likely not exist or be redundant or both. I say this because most people use CPUs for YEARS not weeks or months where buying solely on an upgrade path would be justified.

Yes, but if the OP is buying into a new platform why should he go with a dead one? Buy the current platform now so you don't have to upgrade until later. Both chips work great for the OP, but why buy into the dead platform choice? Doesn't make much sense to me is all.

 

[MMO Fan]

Yes, but if the OP is buying into a new platform why should he go with a dead one? Buy the current platform now so you don't have to upgrade until later. Both chips work great for the OP, but why buy into the dead platform choice? Doesn't make much sense to me is all.

BECAUSE OP CAN SAVE MONEY and i3 is just fine new stuff just add additional cost and nothing more.