Intel Core 5 120
Expert rating8 / 10
- Brand:
- Intel
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
- CPU Socket:
- Socket 1700
- Core/Thread Count:
- 6C/12T
- TDP:
- 65W
- iGPU:
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
- CPU Series:
- Core 5
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-12
Intel Core 5 120 Review
Intel Core 5 120 6-core 12-thread desktop processor, 2.5GHz base / 5.0GHz boost, 65W TDP, Socket 1700 socket
The Intel Core 5 120 is a mainstream desktop processor for everyday productivity and gaming builds under Intel's newer Core branding. It pairs 6 cores and 12 threads with a 2.5GHz base clock that boosts up to 5.0GHz and Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics, all within a 65W envelope.
Performance and Architecture
With 6 cores and 12 threads, the Intel Core 5 120 runs a 2.5GHz base clock that boosts up to 5.0GHz, backed by 8MB of L3 cache and Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics.
Platform and Deployment
The Intel Core 5 120 uses the Socket 1700 platform in a 65W envelope, positioned as a mainstream desktop processor for everyday productivity and gaming builds under Intel's newer Core branding.
Branding Note
The Core 5 120 carries Intel's post-2023 'Core' branding (dropping the 'i' prefix), replacing what would previously have been called Core i5 in Intel's naming scheme, while keeping similar suffix conventions (U, H, HL, N).
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Core 5 lineup in this catalog, the Intel Core 5 120 sits at the 6-core tier, differentiated by clock speed, TDP, and socket. Against AMD's Ryzen and EPYC processors in this catalog at a similar tier, Intel's Core 5 competes on platform ecosystem and per-core efficiency, while against Intel's own Core Ultra and Xeon 6 parts in this catalog it targets a narrower, more specialized deployment niche.
Specifications
Identity
| Release Year | 2025 |
|---|
Segment and platform
| Socket | Socket 1700 |
|---|
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Total Threads | 12 |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.5 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 5.0 GHz |
Cache
| L3 Cache | 8 MB |
|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| TDP | 65 W |
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8 / 10
The Intel Core 5 120 is a mainstream desktop processor under Intel's rebranded Core lineup, a solid all-rounder for everyday use.
Best for
- Desktop gaming
- Everyday productivity
- Mainstream desktop builds
Not for
- Laptops
- Fanless designs
- Extreme power efficiency needs
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Intel Core 5 120?
The Intel Core 5 120 is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Cores 6, Threads 12, Base Clock 2.5 GHz, Boost Clock 5.0 GHz, L3 Cache 8.
Will the Intel Core 5 120 work with my current setup?
The Intel Core 5 120 lists Socket is Socket 1700. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Intel Core 5 120 best suited to?
It suits desktop gaming, everyday productivity, mainstream desktop builds.
What are the drawbacks of the Intel Core 5 120?
It is a poor fit for laptops, fanless designs, extreme power efficiency needs.