Is the i3-2120 a good option for gaming?

ClownWalker

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Jun 21, 2012
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Hey everyone!

Here's the thing : I just bought the Intel Core i3-2120 3.3 Ghz CPU for my first gaming rig. I'm not an ''enthusiast''. The main things I will be doing are Internet and Gaming. I bought the i3-2120 because it was the only one I could afford (125$ compared to the i5-2320 at 190$).

I heard that it's better to have a Mid/Good CPU with a High-End single GPU than a High-End CPU with a Mid/Average GPU. I have the Sapphire HD 6870 1GB DDR5. People claim the i3-2120 is a good option since it's better than some AMD Quad Core on the market. I also read that most of released games of today are not making benefit out of quad-core CPU and that Dual-Core like the i3 are good for gaming at Medium/High settings.

The benchmarks are only theorical and even if I look at gameplays on youtube of people playing BF3 or Skyrim with a i3-2120, I still want the opinion of you guys on this forum.

So what do you guys think? For those of you who have experienced gaming with this particular CPU, would you say it can play many games of today?

Here's my rig :
Processor : Intel Core i3-2120 (3.3 Ghz)
GPU : Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1GB DDR5
8GB HyperX Kingston DDR3 RAM 1333 Mhz
Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H

Thank you for your time!
 
Solution
The Intel® Core™ i3-2120 is a great little processor for a budget gaming system. I would check the memory that you have select as almost all the Kingston HyperX is running at 1.65v and the 2nd generation Intel Core processors only support 1.5v ±5% (1.425v to 1.575v). So just make sure the memory that you select is 1.5v.

Keanu Reeves

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You're going to love it man :D . That's a good rig to start out with for sure, and especially since you mentioned not being the "enthusiast" type, you'll be just fine. The 6870 is also a great card and an i3-2120 is one of the best budget gaming CPUs out, and even beats most AMD quad-cores in everything but multi-threaded applications.
 

ClownWalker

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Thanks man! So, the CPU won't be a bottleneck for the GPU?
 
The Intel® Core™ i3-2120 is a great little processor for a budget gaming system. I would check the memory that you have select as almost all the Kingston HyperX is running at 1.65v and the 2nd generation Intel Core processors only support 1.5v ±5% (1.425v to 1.575v). So just make sure the memory that you select is 1.5v.
 
Solution

cuecuemore

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I'm hoping this was a mistype since the 550ti shouldn't even be brought up here. (or anywhere) The 560ti is a viable option, however.
 
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before all the quadcore fanboys starting spewing out that you need an i5 to play BF3 or Skyrim; an i3 2120 will do fine.

granted some flaws such as a little lag or stutter will be masked when encoding a youtube video but as you can see the people posting them are happy with the performance they have. you do not need the best of the best to enjoy gaming.

a 6870 is a great choice. i am looking to see how far, if any, prices drop on GTX 570s to see how well my i3 will handle it; i haven't gone past 40% CPU load with the 550ti i have now. i suspect that will definalty put a bit of a choke on it :)

good job configuring your build, now enjoy it!
 

ClownWalker

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So if i have DDR3 memory that's above 1.5v ±5% (1.425v to 1.575v), it just won't be compatible at all with my processor?
 
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any memory that is above the rated specs of 1.5v ±5% (1.425v to 1.575v) will void the warranty on the CPU. some people do run 1600 @ 1.6 volts without a problem; though they then have understood that the warranty is voided.
 

ClownWalker

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Puting it simply, my CPU won't be a bottleneck for my RAM? I mean, the memory will work as it should at full performance in coop with my CPU. the only thing is that the Life-time warranty is done for?
 

ClownWalker

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just set your memory to it's specs @ 1333MHz sometimes by default the BIOS might have it set to run slower.
but making sure it's running at optimal specs and your good.

I'm septical because i've just read that using RAM over 1.5 volt will damage my i3-2120 CPU. Should I buy another kit of DDR3 RAM that will work with my CPU or I am really, but I mean, REALLY, ok with what I have? (Kingston HyperX Genesis 1.65 volt)
 
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i think you are concerned about something not related to the specs and i believe your kingston memory IS rated for 1.5 volts making this really all moot.

EDIT:
i just saw (Kingston HyperX Genesis 1.65 volt)

get 1.5 and play it safe.
 

ClownWalker

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It's kinda frustrating since I just got a brand new Kit of 8GB Kingston DDR3 RAM for 60$ and I have to pay another 40$ for 0.15 volt less.
But thanks for the help!