Intel Core i3-2115C
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-2115C Specifications
Core i3-2115C Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-2115C features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i3-2115C Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-2115C benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i3-2115C by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-2115C Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-2115C processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i3-2115C's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Sandy Bridge Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i3-2115C is built on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i3-2115C incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Sandy Bridge Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-2115C by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-2115C has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 1155 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i3-2115C uses the Intel Socket 1155 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 1155 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i3-2115C define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i3-2115C determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i3-2115C Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-2115C includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i3-2115C provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-2115C is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i3-2115C by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
About Intel Core i3-2115C
The Intel Core i3-2115C is a dual-core desktop processor from Intel’s Sandy Bridge generation, released on April 30, 2012. It sits at the 50th percentile of all CPUs tracked in the database, indicating a median performance level. With a base clock of 2.0 GHz, four threads, and a 65 W TDP, this chip is designed for basic computing tasks. The database lists an average benchmark score of 0, meaning no standardized performance metrics have been recorded for this model, but its percentile placement provides a general reference point.
Benchmark Performance
The i3-2115C’s percentile ranking of 50 places it exactly at the midpoint of the performance distribution among all CPUs in the database. This means it outperforms half of the tracked processors and lags behind the other half. The absence of any recorded benchmark scores (avgBenchmarkScore = 0) suggests that no specific workloads have been tested for this part, so the percentile is derived from its specifications relative to other processors. With two physical cores and four threads, the chip can execute two instructions per clock cycle across all threads, while the additional threads allow for better utilization of idle execution units. The base clock of 2.0 GHz is fixed, as no boost clock is listed, which limits peak single-thread throughput. The 3 MB shared L3 cache helps reduce memory latency, and the dual-channel DDR3 support provides adequate bandwidth for the core count. In multi-threaded scenarios, the four threads can improve responsiveness in lightly threaded applications, but the dual-core design caps the scaling potential. The 50th percentile placement indicates that the i3-2115C is neither a high-end nor a low-end part; it is firmly in the middle of the performance spectrum, suitable for everyday workloads that do not demand extreme processing power.
Power and Thermals
The i3-2115C has a thermal design power (TDP) of 65 watts, a common figure for dual-core desktop processors. This TDP allows for a standard air cooler to be sufficient, as the chip does not require exotic cooling solutions. The 32 nm process node from Intel contributes to a balanced power-to-performance ratio, and the die size of 131 mm² houses 504 million transistors, indicating a mature and compact design. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not supported, meaning the power draw remains within the specified TDP under normal operation. The integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics share the same thermal envelope, so the total system power will be slightly higher when the iGPU is active. For system builders, a 65 W TDP means that even a modest power supply and a basic CPU cooler can handle the thermal load. The processor is designed for efficient operation in standard desktop chassis, and its production status is listed as active, indicating ongoing availability.
How It Compares
The nearestRivals field in the database is empty, meaning no specific competitor processors have been assigned to this part. As a result, direct comparisons to other models are not available from the data. However, the 50th percentile ranking provides a general reference: the i3-2115C performs at the median of all CPUs tracked. This places it ahead of many older or lower-end parts, but behind the majority of modern multi-core processors. Without named rivals, we cannot quantify deltas, but the percentile indicates that it is neither a performance leader nor a laggard. The absence of rival data suggests that the i3-2115C occupies a niche that is not frequently benchmarked against other specific models. Its position is defined solely by its own specifications and the overall distribution of CPU performance in the database. This makes the i3-2115C a predictable, mid-tier option for users who do not require current-generation performance.
FAQ
Q: What socket does the Intel Core i3-2115C use?
A: It uses Intel Socket 1155.
Q: Does it support ECC memory?
A: No, ECC memory is not supported.
Q: What is the integrated graphics?
A: It includes Intel HD 3000 graphics.
Q: How many cores and threads does it have?
A: It has 2 cores and 4 threads.
Q: What is the process node?
A: It is built on Intel's 32 nm process.
Q: When was it released?
A: The release date is April 30, 2012.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?
A: No, the multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The i3-2115C has two physical cores and four threads, indicating that each core can process two threads concurrently. This simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) capability improves multi-threaded performance in workloads that can utilize parallel execution, such as video encoding or background tasks. However, the base clock of 2.0 GHz is fixed, with no boost clock listed, so single-thread performance is directly tied to this frequency. In single-threaded applications, the processor operates at 2.0 GHz, which is relatively low compared to many modern CPUs. The Sandy Bridge architecture’s efficiency helps mitigate the low clock speed, but the chip will still lag behind higher-clocked parts in tasks that rely on a single thread. The L1 cache is 64 KB per core, and the L2 cache is 256 KB per core, providing fast access to frequently used data. The 3 MB shared L3 cache helps reduce the performance penalty when switching between threads. For multi-threaded workloads, the four threads allow the processor to handle multiple processes with less context switching, but the two physical cores limit the overall throughput. This makes the i3-2115C suitable for light multitasking and everyday applications, but not for demanding multi-threaded software.
Who Should Consider It
Based on its 50th percentile ranking and modest specifications, the i3-2115C is suited for basic computing tasks. Office applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and email will run without issue. Web browsing and video playback are also within its capabilities, especially with the integrated HD 3000 graphics handling display output. For users who do not require high frame rates in gaming or heavy content creation, this processor offers a functional platform. However, it is not recommended for demanding gaming, video editing, or software development that relies on multiple cores. The dual-core design with four threads can handle light multitasking, but heavy multi-tasking with many background applications may cause slowdowns. The 50th percentile placement indicates that it is an average performer, so users with moderate expectations will find it adequate. The processor’s active production status and desktop market segment suggest it is intended for general-purpose systems, not specialized workloads.
Platform and Compatibility
The i3-2115C is designed for the Intel Socket 1155 platform. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory, which is common for that era. The processor provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, allowing for a single graphics card or other expansion cards. The integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics supports basic display output without a discrete GPU. The processor is a desktop part and is listed as still in active production. Its architecture is Sandy Bridge, and it belongs to the Core i3 generation. The multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking. The part number is SR0NV. The processor does not support ECC memory, so it is not intended for mission-critical server workloads. For system builders, the Socket 1155 platform offers a range of compatible motherboards from that period, though modern boards are not compatible. The 32 nm process and 65 W TDP make it suitable for compact cases with adequate cooling. Overall, the i3-2115C is a straightforward, compatible processor for a basic desktop system, with no unusual platform requirements.
Detailed benchmark scores and charts for the Intel Core i3-2115C are below.
Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
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