Intel Core 5 120 vs NVIDIA RTX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) Comparison

Intel Core 5 120 and NVIDIA RTX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) represent two fundamentally different approaches to processing, and the recorded data shows an unusually clear split in their intended roles. The Core 5 120 is a desktop processor with a substantial benchmark footprint, while the RTX Spark is an unreleased mobile part with no recorded benchmark scores in the database. This makes direct performance comparisons impossible, but the specification sheet and architectural details provide a clear picture of where each component is designed to operate.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 120 wins in every measurable benchmark category because it is the only one of the two with recorded test results. Its benchmark suite covers 16 distinct workloads, ranging from Cinebench rendering tests to PassMark mathematical operations. The data shows a multi-core Cinebench R23 score of 18255 and a single-core score of 2577, placing it at the 77th percentile among all CPUs in the database. Its average benchmark score of 25362 positions it directly alongside established desktop parts.

The RTX Spark wins in the architectural and efficiency categories. It uses a 3 nm process node from TSMC, compared to Intel's 10 nm node, and its thermal design power is 38 watts versus 65 watts for the Intel part. The Spark's memory bandwidth is specified at 273.1 GB/s with a quad-channel LPDDR5X bus, while the Core 5 120 uses a dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 configuration with no recorded bandwidth figure. The Spark also has more cores and threads: 20 cores and 20 threads against 6 cores and 12 threads for the Intel processor.

The Verdict

The database paints a clear picture: the Intel Core 5 120 is a finished, measurable desktop product with a full benchmark record. The NVIDIA RTX Spark is an unreleased mobile processor with no scores, no rivals, and a 50th percentile placeholder ranking. Anyone selecting a processor for immediate deployment in a desktop system would choose the Intel part based on the available data alone.

The RTX Spark's specifications suggest it is built for a different environment. Its 38 watt TDP, mobile market segment, and integrated GB20B "Blackwell" graphics indicate a low-power, high-efficiency design. The Core 5 120, with its 65 watt TDP, Intel Socket 1700, and UHD Graphics 730, is a conventional desktop component. The data does not support a head-to-head performance comparison, but it does support a use-case split: the Intel part for desktop workloads, the Spark for mobile or embedded applications where power draw and physical footprint matter more than raw benchmark scores.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark table in the database is empty. There are zero recorded wins for either component in direct comparison tests. The Intel Core 5 120 has 17 individual benchmark scores, and the RTX Spark has none. This means the only numerical comparison possible is between their specification sheets and the Intel part's absolute scores.

The Core 5 120's strongest recorded results include a PassMark multi-thread score of 18597, a PassMark integer math score of 60462, and a PassMark floating point math score of 45383. Its weakest recorded result is a PassMark find prime numbers score of 77. These numbers establish a baseline for desktop performance at the 77th percentile. The RTX Spark, with no scores, cannot be ranked against this baseline. Its 50th percentile ranking is a placeholder value in the database, not a measured outcome.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core 5 120 have any benchmark advantage over the NVIDIA RTX Spark?

A: Yes, but only because the Intel part has recorded scores. The Core 5 120 has 17 benchmark results, including a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 18255 and a single-core score of 2577. The RTX Spark has zero benchmark scores in the database, so no direct comparison is possible.

Q: What is the core and thread count difference between the two processors?

A: The NVIDIA RTX Spark has 20 cores and 20 threads. The Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Spark has more than three times the core count but does not use simultaneous multi-threading.

Q: Which processor has a lower thermal design power?

A: The NVIDIA RTX Spark has a TDP of 38 watts. The Intel Core 5 120 has a TDP of 65 watts. The Spark is rated for nearly half the power draw.

Q: Are both processors currently available for purchase?

A: No. The Intel Core 5 120 has an active production status and a launch MSRP of $211. The NVIDIA RTX Spark has an unreleased production status with a release date of 2025-12-31.

Q: What memory types do the two processors support?

A: The Intel Core 5 120 supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus. The NVIDIA RTX Spark supports LPDDR5X on a quad-channel bus with a recorded bandwidth of 273.1 GB/s.

Q: How do the cache hierarchies compare?

A: The Intel Core 5 120 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The NVIDIA RTX Spark has 128 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

Architecture Differences

The two processors use entirely different architectural foundations. The Intel Core 5 120 is built on Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh, using a 10 nm process node from Intel's own foundry. Its die size is 163 mm². The NVIDIA RTX Spark uses the N1X codename with a Spark (GB10) generation designation, fabricated on a 3 nm node by TSMC, with a die size of 208 mm². The process node difference is significant: 3 nm versus 10 nm, which typically indicates a denser transistor layout for the Spark.

The Intel part has 6 cores and 12 threads, indicating hyper-threading support. The Spark has 20 cores and 20 threads, with no hyper-threading. The Intel part's base clock is 2.50 GHz with a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. The Spark's base clock is 1.70 GHz with a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. The Intel part has a higher peak frequency, while the Spark relies on more cores at lower clocks.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The Core 5 120 uses UHD Graphics 730, while the Spark uses GB20B "Blackwell" graphics. The Spark's PCIe support is listed as N/A, while the Intel part supports Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The Intel part uses an Intel Socket 1700, and the Spark has no socket listed, consistent with a soldered mobile design.

Specification Differences

The specification sheet shows clear differences in nearly every field. The Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads; the Spark has 20 cores and 20 threads. The Intel base clock is 2.50 GHz versus 1.70 GHz for the Spark. The Intel boost clock is 4.50 GHz versus 4.00 GHz for the Spark. The Intel TDP is 65 watts; the Spark is 38 watts.

Memory support splits the two: DDR4 and DDR5 for the Intel part, LPDDR5X for the Spark. The memory bus is dual-channel for Intel and quad-channel for the Spark. The Spark has a recorded memory bandwidth of 273.1 GB/s; the Intel part has no bandwidth figure. The L1 cache is 80 KB per core for Intel and 128 KB per core for the Spark. L2 is 1.25 MB per core for Intel and 2 MB per core for the Spark. L3 is 18 MB shared for Intel and 8 MB shared for the Spark.

The process nodes differ: 10 nm for Intel, 3 nm for the Spark. The foundries differ: Intel for the Core 5 120, TSMC for the Spark. Die sizes are 163 mm² and 208 mm², respectively. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $211, while the Spark has no launch MSRP. The Intel part is active and released on 2025-07-30, while the Spark is unreleased with a date of 2025-12-31. The Intel part targets the desktop market segment; the Spark targets mobile. The Intel part uses Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes, and the Spark has no PCIe support listed. The Intel part has a part number SA35V, and the Spark has GSE1-675-A1.