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Intel Core i3-7120T

Intel Core i3-7120T

Intel Core i3-7120T: Review and Practical Guide for Budget Builds

Current as of April 2025

Introduction

The Intel Core i3-7120T processor, released in 2017, remains a popular choice for budget PCs due to its low power consumption and integrated graphics. Despite its age, it is still relevant in 2025 for office tasks, media centers, and basic systems. Let’s take a look at its features, compatibility, and use cases.

1. Key Specifications

Kaby Lake Architecture

The processor is built on the Kaby Lake microarchitecture (7th generation Intel). It is an evolutionary upgrade over Skylake, featuring enhanced energy efficiency and support for HEVC 10-bit and VP9 codecs for 4K video.

14nm Process Technology

The 14nm process is considered outdated in 2025 (modern processors use 5-7nm), but it is sufficient for basic tasks.

Performance

- 2 Cores / 4 Threads (Hyper-Threading).

- Base Clock: 3.4 GHz (without Turbo Boost).

- 3MB L3 Cache.

- Integrated Graphics Intel HD 630 (maximum frequency: 1.1 GHz).

Real-world Tests:

- In the Cinebench R23 benchmark: ~2200 points (single-threaded: ~800).

- Streaming 4K video on YouTube: smooth rendering thanks to hardware codec decoding.

2. Compatible Motherboards

LGA 1151 Socket

The processor requires motherboards with the LGA 1151 socket (version v2, incompatible with motherboards for 8th-9th generation).

Chipsets

Supported:

- H110, B250, H270, Q270 (for office tasks).

- Z270 (for overclocking RAM, though the CPU itself is not overclockable).

Tip: In 2025, new LGA 1151 boards are not available—look for used options (price: $30–60). Popular models:

- ASUS Prime B250M-A.

- Gigabyte GA-H110M-S2H.

3. Supported Memory

- Types: DDR4-2400 / DDR3L-1600 (depends on the motherboard).

- Maximum Capacity: 64GB (recommended 8–16GB for Windows 11).

- Modes: Dual-channel (e.g., 2x8GB DDR4).

Important: DDR5 and high-frequency DDR4 (above 2400 MHz) are not supported.

4. Power Supply Recommendations

- CPU TDP: 35W.

- Minimum PSU: 300W (for a system without a discrete GPU).

- Scenarios:

- Office PC (SSD + HDD): 400W (e.g., Be Quiet! System Power 10).

- With GPU (e.g., GTX 1650): 450–500W (Corsair CX450).

Example: A build with an i3-7120T, 8GB DDR4, SSD, and GTX 1650 consumes ~150W under load.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Low power consumption (suitable for compact cases).

- Integrated graphics for 4K video.

- Affordable price on the second-hand market ($25–40).

Cons:

- Only 2 cores—multitasking is limited.

- Lacks support for PCIe 4.0 / USB 3.2 Gen 2.

- Outdated platform (upgrading requires replacing both CPU and motherboard).

6. Use Cases

Office and Web Browsing

- Working with documents, email, and browsers (10+ tabs).

- Connecting 2-3 monitors via DisplayPort/HDMI.

Multimedia

- Media center based on Kodi/Plex (4K HDR, H.265).

- Streaming (Twitch, YouTube at 1080p).

Gaming

- Light projects: Minecraft, Dota 2 (HD 630: 30–40 FPS on low settings).

- With a discrete graphics card (GTX 1050 Ti): GTA V (60 FPS), CS:2 (medium settings).

7. Comparison with Competitors

AMD Athlon 3000G (price: $50 new)

- Pros: 2 cores / 4 threads, Vega 3 graphics (stronger than HD 630), supports DDR4-2666.

- Cons: Higher TDP (35W vs. 35W for Intel), less optimization for older games.

Intel Pentium Gold G7400 (price: $75 new)

- Pros: 2 cores / 4 threads, Alder Lake architecture (2022), DDR5 support.

- Cons: Requires a new motherboard (LGA 1700).

Conclusion: In 2025, the i3-7120T is only advantageous when buying used components.

8. Practical Assembly Tips

1. Case Selection: Mini-ITX or Micro-ATX for space savings (e.g., Fractal Design Core 500).

2. Cooling: The boxed cooler is sufficient (temperature under load: ~65°C).

3. Storage: Be sure to use an SSD (SATA or NVMe, if the board supports it).

4. BIOS Optimization: Update the firmware to improve compatibility with Windows 11.

Sample Build (price: ~$200):

- CPU: i3-7120T (used, $30).

- Motherboard: ASUS B250M-K (used, $40).

- Memory: 8GB DDR4-2400 (new, $25).

- SSD: 256GB Kingston A400 ($20).

9. Final Conclusion: Who is the i3-7120T Suitable For?

This processor is worth choosing if:

- You need an inexpensive PC for office work or browsing.

- You are building a media center with 4K support.

- You have access to used components at a low price.

Alternatives for new builds:

- Intel N100 (4 cores, TDP 6W, $120).

- AMD Ryzen 3 5300G (4 cores, Vega 6, $130).

Summary: The i3-7120T is a proven solution for budget-conscious users, but in 2025, it is best viewed as a temporary option.

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Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
July 2017
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Core i3-7120T
Code Name
Kaby Lake
Generation
Core i3 (Kaby Lake)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
2
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
4
Basic Frequency
3.6 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
N/A
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
3 MB (shared)
Multiplier Unlocked
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Intel Socket 1151
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
36.0x
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
14 nm
TDP
35 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
Intel HD 630