Intel Core 5 120 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 Comparison

Intel Core 5 120 and Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 represent two fundamentally different approaches to computing. The Intel part is a desktop processor built for raw throughput and sustained performance, while the Qualcomm chip is a mobile part designed for efficiency within a constrained power envelope. The recorded data shows a clear split in capabilities, with the Intel Core 5 120 holding a dominant position in every recorded benchmark category, while the Snapdragon X1P-46-100 offers architectural features that cater to a different set of priorities.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark results indicate that the Intel Core 5 120 wins in all measured performance tests. The database contains 17 benchmark scores for the Intel processor, covering Cinebench R15, R20, R23, and PassMark suites. The Snapdragon X1P-46-100 has no recorded benchmarks in the database, so its performance profile cannot be quantified in the same manner. This absence of data means the comparison defaults to the Intel part's scores, which place it at the 77th percentile among all CPUs. The Qualcomm chip's percentile rank is 50th, but with an average benchmark score of zero, this percentile likely reflects its market positioning rather than measured performance.

The use-case split is therefore clear: the Intel Core 5 120 is the only option with verified performance data, making it the choice for any workload that depends on measured compute capability. The Snapdragon X1P-46-100, with its mobile segment designation and lower thermal design power, targets portable devices where power consumption matters more than peak performance. The data does not support any scenario where the Qualcomm part wins on benchmark scores, as none exist in the database.

Architecture Differences

The two processors differ substantially in their internal design. The Intel Core 5 120 uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh, built on Intel's 10 nm process node. It has 6 cores and 12 threads, which indicates hyper-threading support. The die size is recorded at 163 mm², and the cache hierarchy consists of 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. This desktop part supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and it uses the Intel Socket 1700.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 uses the Oryon codename and belongs to the Snapdragon X (Plus) generation. It is fabricated on a 4 nm process node by TSMC, a significant manufacturing advantage over Intel's 10 nm node. The Snapdragon has 8 cores and 8 threads, meaning no simultaneous multi-threading. Its cache allocation is different: 288 KB L1 per core, 12 MB L2 per module, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Qualcomm part supports only LPDDR5X memory, also dual-channel, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 135.2 GB/s. It uses the Qualcomm BGA 2073 socket and integrates Adreno X1-45 graphics.

The process node difference is notable. The Qualcomm chip uses a smaller 4 nm process compared to Intel's 10 nm, which in principle allows for better power efficiency and higher transistor density. However, the Intel part's larger L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 MB) and higher boost clock (4.50 GHz vs 4.00 GHz) suggest a design tuned for burst performance. The Snapdragon's higher base clock (3.40 GHz vs 2.50 GHz) indicates it may sustain moderate loads well, but the Intel part's boost advantage of 0.50 GHz gives it a ceiling that the Qualcomm chip cannot reach.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database does not contain head-to-head benchmark entries for these two processors. All comparative analysis must rely on the Intel Core 5 120's recorded scores, which stand alone. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Intel part scores 18,255 points, and in single-core it scores 2,577 points. These numbers place it well within the range of its nearest rivals: the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D scores 25,365 average, the Intel Core i7-11700KF scores 25,423, the Intel Core i5-13400F scores 25,292, and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U scores 25,432. The delta percentages are minimal, ranging from -0.3% to +0.3%, indicating the Core 5 120 trades blows with these established parts.

In PassMark tests, the Intel Core 5 120 shows specific strengths. Its multithread score is 18,597, and its single-thread score is 3,595. The integer math score is 60,462, while floating point math is 45,383. Data compression reaches 219,535, and data encryption is 11,131. These individual scores demonstrate a balanced processor that handles both integer and floating-point workloads competently.

The Snapdragon X1P-46-100 has no comparable scores in the database. Any attempt to quantify its performance against the Intel part is impossible from the available data. The only measurable difference is the thermal design power: 65 W for Intel versus 30 W for Qualcomm. This 35 W gap indicates the Snapdragon is designed for thermally constrained environments, likely fanless or low-profile mobile devices.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 has 8 cores, while the Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores. However, the Intel part has 12 threads due to hyper-threading, whereas the Qualcomm has 8 threads.

Q: What is the process node difference?

A: The Intel Core 5 120 is built on a 10 nm process by Intel, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 uses a 4 nm process from TSMC.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 5 120 boosts to 4.50 GHz, which is 0.50 GHz higher than the Snapdragon X1P-46-100's 4.00 GHz boost clock.

Q: Do these processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Intel Core 5 120 supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 supports only LPDDR5X. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but the Qualcomm part has a recorded memory bandwidth of 135.2 GB/s.

Q: What are the market segments for these processors?

A: The Intel Core 5 120 is a desktop processor using the Intel Socket 1700, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 is a mobile processor using the Qualcomm BGA 2073 socket.

Q: Which processor has a higher thermal design power?

A: The Intel Core 5 120 has a TDP of 65 W, more than double the Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100's 30 W TDP.

Specification Differences

The two processors diverge on nearly every specification field. The Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 has 8 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks differ: 2.50 GHz for Intel versus 3.40 GHz for Qualcomm. Boost clocks also differ: 4.50 GHz versus 4.00 GHz. The TDP gap is substantial at 65 W versus 30 W. Sockets are incompatible: Intel Socket 1700 versus Qualcomm BGA 2073.

The cache configurations are distinct. Intel uses 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 18 MB shared L3. Qualcomm uses 288 KB L1 per core, 12 MB L2 per module, and 6 MB shared L3. The process nodes differ as noted: 10 nm Intel versus 4 nm TSMC. Memory support separates them: DDR4/DDR5 versus LPDDR5X only. PCIe support also differs, with Intel offering Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only) and Qualcomm offering Gen 4 with 12 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730 for Intel and Adreno X1-45 for Qualcomm.

The release dates are recorded: Intel on 2025-07-30 and Qualcomm on 2024-09-02. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $211, while the Qualcomm part has no recorded launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel part's die size is 163 mm², while the Qualcomm die size is not recorded. The Intel part's part number is SA35V, and the Qualcomm part number is X1P46100.

The Verdict

The data clearly favors the Intel Core 5 120 for any user who requires verified benchmark performance. With 17 recorded scores across Cinebench and PassMark suites, it demonstrates capability in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. Its 77th percentile rank among all CPUs, combined with an average benchmark score of 25,362, places it in the upper echelon of desktop processors. The nearest rivals, all within 0.3% of its average score, confirm it competes with established parts like the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D and Intel Core i5-13400F.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X1P-46-100 offers no recorded benchmark data, making any performance claim impossible to verify. Its 50th percentile rank and zero average score are placeholders, not measurements. The chip's merits lie outside the performance arena: a 4 nm process node, lower TDP of 30 W, and support for LPDDR5X memory with 135.2 GB/s bandwidth make it suitable for power-sensitive mobile applications. The higher base clock of 3.40 GHz suggests it can handle steady workloads without boost, but the Intel part's higher boost clock of 4.50 GHz provides a performance ceiling the Qualcomm cannot match.

For desktop builders seeking a capable air-cooled processor for general compute tasks, the Intel Core 5 120 is the defensible choice based on recorded measurements. For mobile device designers prioritizing power efficiency and a smaller process node, the Snapdragon X1P-46-100 has architectural advantages, but its performance remains unquantified in the database. The verdict from the data is unambiguous: the Intel part delivers measured performance, the Qualcomm part delivers unmeasured potential.