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Intel Core 5 120 vs Intel Core 7 160HL: Comparison
Core 5 120 vs Core 7 160HL total cores compared
There is no decisive spec gap here. Total cores splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, Core 5 120 6 against Core 7 160HL 14. L3 cache runs the same way, 18 MB on the Core 5 120 versus 24 MB on the Core 7 160HL, another win for Core 7 160HL. There is a split on igpu as well, Intel UHD Graphics 770 on the Core 5 120 versus Intel Arc Graphics on the Core 7 160HL. Market segment is not the same on both, Desktop on the Core 5 120 versus Embedded on the Core 7 160HL.
Who each one is for
The Core 5 120 suits desktop gaming and everyday productivity, though it is not the pick for laptops and fanless designs. The Core 7 160HL is the one to take for mainstream laptops and everyday productivity, though it is not built for ultra-thin fanless laptops and maximum battery life. Our rating of the Core 5 120 (8/10): the Intel Core 5 120 is a mainstream desktop processor under Intel's rebranded Core lineup, a solid all-rounder for everyday use. Our rating of the Core 7 160HL (8/10): the Intel Core 7 160HL is a well-rounded performance mobile chip for mainstream laptops balancing power and portability.
What Core 5 120 and Core 7 160HL have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: performance cores, p-core base clock, integrated graphics, socket and form factor are identical here. They match on 2 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core 5 120 and Core 7 160HL differ on efficiency cores?
Yes. Efficiency Cores reads 0 on the Core 5 120 versus 8 on the Core 7 160HL.
Is the SMT Enabled the same on the Core 5 120 and Core 7 160HL?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core 5 120
- Desktop
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core 5 120
- Raptor Lake
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Raptor Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core 5 120
- 2025
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 2024
TDP
- Intel Core 5 120
- 65 W
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 45 W
iGPU
- Intel Core 5 120
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Intel Arc Graphics
Market Segment
- Intel Core 5 120
- Desktop
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Embedded
Socket
- Intel Core 5 120
- Socket 1700
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Socket 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core 5 120
- 7 nm
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core 5 120
- 6
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 14Best
Performance Cores
- Intel Core 5 120
- 6
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 6
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core 5 120
- 0
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 8Best
Total Threads
- Intel Core 5 120
- 12
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 20Best
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core 5 120
- Yes
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core 5 120
- 2.5 GHz
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 2.5 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core 5 120
- 5.0 GHz
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 5.2 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core 5 120
- 18 MB-25%
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 24 MBBest
Base Power
- Intel Core 5 120
- 65 W
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 45 W
Max Turbo Power
- Intel Core 5 120
- 110 W
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- 115 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core 5 120
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- DDR5, DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core 5 120
- Yes
- Intel Core 7 160HL
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose Intel Core 5 120 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Intel Core 7 160HL if you want the higher L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB).
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core 5 120 is a mainstream desktop processor under Intel's rebranded Core lineup, a solid all-rounder for everyday use.
Intel Core 7 160HL
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core 7 160HL is a well-rounded performance mobile chip for mainstream laptops balancing power and portability.