Processor Intel Core I3 2120: characteristics, temperature

A mid-level processor with two physicalcomputing modules and four software information processing flows for the LGA1155 platform is the "Kor i3 2120". The characteristics of this product, its technical specifications, capabilities in terms of software and cost will be further considered.

Niche of this chip

This semiconductor crystal is oriented toa complete set of inexpensive, but at the same time sufficiently productive computer systems. It is perfect for assembling an entry-level system gaming unit, for creating a graphic station (only in this case, the availability of a productive discrete graphics card is required) or an office PC. But as a base, even for a budget server, its computing resources will clearly not be enough. A similar product for solving such problems is not intended.

Options and their features

Box or Trail are two possible optionsIntel Core i3 2120. The characteristics of the first of them indicate the availability of an expanded list of accessories, and it is ideal for most users. It includes the following:

• CPU.
• Established air cooling system and thermal grease.
• Manual.
• Branded warranty card from Intel.
• Label with the family name of the CPU.

In the second case, the equipment is more modest. It does not include a cooling system and thermal grease. Such an option is aimed at large assemblers of system blocks.

Processor Connector

The Intel Core i3 2120 processor is designed forinstallation in the processor socket Socket H2. The second name, which has become more widespread to date, is LGA1155. The last digit in this case indicates the number of contacts. All sets of system logic of this platform are based only on one chip of the south bridge. The second element of the chipset is transferred to the central processor. This platform is designed to install processors based on the architecture of "Kor" 2-nd or 3-rd generation. To date, it is replaced steadily with sockets LGA1150 and presented in 2016 LGA1151.

Technological features

This silicon crystal was manufactured according toNorms of the technological process 32 nm. At the time of the chip (2011) it was the most advanced technology for the production of semiconductor solutions. Now the advanced CPU from the company "Intel" is produced already at the standards of 14 nm. But if you take into account the most advanced CPU technology from the eternal enemy Intel in the person of AMD (namely 32 nm), it becomes obvious that the hero of this review is not so outdated in terms of the technology of manufacturing semiconductor crystals.

Cache

The fast memory consists of 3 levels in "Cor i32120 ». The characteristics of the CPU indicate that the third level is common to all of its modules and its full size is 3 MB. The second level is already divided into 2 parts of 256 kb, which are geographically bound to a certain core of the chip. The total size of the second level is 0.5 MB. The total cache size of the first level is 128 KB. They are divided into 2 parts of 64 kb, which are tied to a specific kernel. In turn, these 64 kb are divided again in half - 32 kb each. Half of them are intended for data storage, and the second is for program instructions of the CPU.

The memory controller and its types

The RAM controller is part of the north bridgea chipset, which, as noted earlier, is integrated into a silicon CPU chip. In this case, it is focused on working in tandem with DDR3 modules. 1333 MHz is the most optimal frequency of the strips for "Kor i3 2120". The characteristics of the RAM controller itself indicate that it can work in two-channel mode. Therefore, it is better to equip such a computer with two slats of reduced volume (for example, 2 to 4 GB), rather than one module of increased capacity (1 by 8 GB).

Thermal conditions

69 ⁰С - maximum possible temperature for"Cor i3 2120". Characteristics, temperature and its thermal regime indicate that in reality the product operates in the range from 30 ⁰С to 57 ⁰С. The thermal package of the chip is equal to 65 W. Taking into account the technology of production and filling this is an excellent value.

Frequency

The only permissible frequency for operation instandard mode for the Intel Core i3 2120 - 3.3 GHz. Characteristics of the technical parameters of the CPU indicate the lack of support for TurboBust technology. Therefore, regardless of the complexity of the problem being solved, this silicon crystal functions in the same mode. Also the multiplier of its frequency is blocked, and it is impossible to overclock this CPU simply by raising its value.

Architecture of a silicon crystal

The chip consists of only 2 cores perbased architecture, code-named "Sandy Bridge". This is the second generation of processors of the Cor family from Intel Corporation. A feature of this semiconductor product is that it supports HyperTrading technology. Its essence boils down to the fact that at the program level these 2 physical modules are transformed into 4 information processing streams (1 core processes 2 data streams at once). This allows, in comparison with the younger models of the chips, to expect an additional 15% of the speed.

Integrated graphics accelerator

This CPU includesbuilt-in graphics accelerator. Its capabilities are minimal, but they are enough to build an office computer or home multimedia station. This engineering solution allows to save considerably when assembling such a computer system due to the fact that there is no need to purchase an expensive discrete entry-level card. According to technical specifications, the chip includes the HD Graphics 2000 accelerator from Intel. It can display a picture directly on 2 displays, and the range of operating frequencies in this case is limited to 850 MHz - 1.1 GHz.

Overclocking

To a minimum, overclocking capabilities of Intel Corei3 2120. The characteristic of the semiconductor crystal itself indicates that the chip frequency multiplier is blocked. Therefore, to increase its clock frequency can only be by increasing this indicator in the field of the system bus of the motherboard. This allows to increase the real speed of the computer system as a whole by 5-7%. It is impossible to achieve more from this CPA. Finally, it should be noted that such overclocking can be performed only with improved system side configuration (power supply with a power reserve, an improved model of the motherboard and an advanced air cooling system). Otherwise, the computer may be damaged.

Product price, reviews about it

Very well balanced, thisprocessor solution. This is an acceptable level of performance, and the presence of 4 virtual streams of information processing, and a high degree of energy efficiency. The fixed frequency is the only drawback that the owners of Intel Core i3 2120 - 3.3 GHz allocate. 3 cores, as in the case of server CPUs, there is no need to integrate into 1 crystal and 2 cores. This chip is enough to solve almost any problem. The price of the CPU varies in the range of 4000-6000 rubles. And it can still be purchased from stockpiles under favorable circumstances

Outcomes

That's such an almost ideal middle chiplevel was "Cor i3 2120". Characteristics of it are just excellent for their class, and performance is acceptable. Well, the reduced price on the background of more recent decisions is an additional argument in his favor.