Intel Core i3-8120
Intel Core i3-8120: Budget Processor from 2018 in 2025 — Is it Worth Considering?
April 2025
Although the Intel Core i3-8120 was released back in 2018, it is still found in budget builds and on the secondary market. In 2025, this chip appears outdated, but it can remain relevant for certain tasks. Let’s explore who should consider it and why.
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Capabilities
Coffee Lake Architecture and 14nm Process Technology
The Core i3-8120 is built on the Coffee Lake microarchitecture (14nm), which is considered outdated in 2025. Compared to modern 7nm and 5nm processors from Intel and AMD, this chip is less energy-efficient and has modest performance. However, it is adequate for basic tasks.
Key Specifications:
- 4 cores / 4 threads — the lack of Hyper-Threading limits multitasking capabilities.
- Base clock speed: 3.7 GHz — no Turbo Boost, which reduces potential under load.
- L3 cache: 6 MB — minimum for handling simple data.
- Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 — suitable for video output and less demanding games (for example, CS:GO on low settings).
Key Features:
- Supports DDR4-2400.
- Compatible with 300 series chipset motherboards.
- Low thermal design power (TDP 65W) — does not require hefty cooling solutions.
2. Compatible Motherboards
LGA 1151 (v2) Socket and Chipsets
The i3-8120 requires the LGA 1151 (v2) socket. It is important not to confuse this with the first version (for Skylake/Kaby Lake processors), as they are physically compatible but electrically incompatible.
Suitable Chipsets:
- H310 / B360 / H370 — budget boards without overclocking support (relevant for the i3-8120, as it is not unlocked).
- Z370 / Z390 — excessive but suitable if an upgrade to stronger Coffee Lake processors (like the i7-8700K) is planned.
Examples of Motherboards (2025):
- ASUS Prime H310M-K — simple and inexpensive ($50–70, leftovers in stock).
- Gigabyte B360M DS3H — with M.2 and USB 3.1 support ($60–80).
Tip: In 2025, new boards for LGA 1151 are scarcely produced. Look for leftovers from sellers or trusted options on the secondary market.
3. Supported Memory
Only DDR4
The i3-8120 operates with DDR4-2400 (official support). The maximum capacity is 64 GB, but for this processor, even 16 GB is excessive.
Recommendations:
- Use dual-channel mode (2x4 GB or 2x8 GB) for enhanced performance.
- In 2025, DDR4 falls behind DDR5 in speed but remains cheaper. A 2x8 GB DDR4-2400 kit costs around $40–50.
Limitation: Motherboards on H310 may only support up to 2666 MHz (but the i3-8120 will still limit the frequency to 2400 MHz).
4. Power Supply: Minimum Requirements
Power Calculation
With a TDP of 65W and no appetite for overclocking, the i3-8120 is extremely power-efficient.
Recommendations:
- For a system without a discrete graphics card, a 300W PSU is sufficient (for example, be quiet! Pure Power 11 300W, $45).
- If adding a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 (TDP 75W), choose a PSU rated at 400–450W (EVGA 450 BR, $50).
Important: Even for a budget build, choose a PSU with an 80 Plus Bronze certification — they are more reliable and save electricity.
5. Pros and Cons of the Processor
Advantages:
- Low price — new (if found) costs $80–100, used — $30–50.
- Energy efficiency — suitable for compact PCs and office builds.
- Integrated graphics — does not require a separate graphics card.
Disadvantages:
- 4 threads — multi-threaded tasks (rendering, streaming) are challenging.
- Outdated architecture — lags behind even budget Ryzen 3 processors in 2025.
- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0 — limits the speed of storage devices and graphics cards.
6. Usage Scenarios
Who is the i3-8120 Relevant for in 2025?
1. Office tasks — working with documents, browsing, Zoom.
2. Multimedia — watching videos in 4K (with hardware decoding), listening to music.
3. Light gaming — Minecraft, Dota 2, Roblox on low settings.
4. Home server/NAS — low power consumption and sufficient performance for basic tasks.
Practical Example:
A user built a PC with an i3-8120, 8 GB DDR4, and an SSD for their parents — the system runs quickly, does not overheat, and consumes little energy.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G/3200G
- AMD Advantages: 4 cores/8 threads, Vega 8 graphics are more powerful than UHD 630.
- AMD Disadvantages: Higher price (used — $60–80), requires a more expensive motherboard (AM4).
Intel Core i3-10100 (2020)
- i3-10100 Advantages: 8 threads, supports DDR4-2666, higher IPC.
- Disadvantages: Costs $20–30 more even on the secondary market.
Conclusion: In 2025, the i3-8120 falls behind most competitors, but it wins on price.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
1. Do not overpay for the motherboard — H310/B360 is sufficient.
2. Add an SSD — even a SATA drive (e.g., Kingston A400 240GB, $25) will speed up the system.
3. Cooling — the stock cooler is adequate, but for silence, opt for a Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).
4. Upgrade — later, you can replace the processor with an i5-8400 or i7-8700 (if you find one at a good price).
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the i3-8120 Suitable For?
This processor is suitable for:
- Very tight budgets (PC builds up to $200).
- Undemanding users — retirees, children, office workers.
- Secondhand market enthusiasts — cheap components for home experiments.
Why avoid it? If modern performance, DDR5 support, or PCIe 5.0 are needed — even budget Ryzen 3 processors from 2025 will be better.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Intel Core i3-8120 is a relic, but it still holds relevance in its niche. It is an option for those in need of "just working hardware" for minimal money. However, for future upgrades, this platform is not very promising — consider this when building.