Intel Core i3-2130
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-2130 Specifications
Core i3-2130 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-2130 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.
i3-2130 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-2130 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 i3-2130 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-2130 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-2130 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 i3-2130'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 i3-2130 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 i3-2130 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Sandy Bridge Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-2130 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.
i3-2130 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-2130 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 i3-2130 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 i3-2130 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 i3-2130 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 i3-2130 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-2130 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 i3-2130 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.
Core i3-2130 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-2130 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 i3-2130 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i3-2130 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i3-2130 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i3-2130.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i3-2130.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i3-2130 after thermal limits kick in.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i3-2130 maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Core i3-2130
The Intel Core i3-2130 is a dual-core, four-thread desktop processor from the Sandy Bridge generation, released in September 2011. Built on Intel's 32nm process, it packs 504 million transistors into a 131 mm² die. With a base clock of 3.40 GHz and no turbo boost, it runs at a fixed frequency. Its 65W TDP makes it a modest power consumer. The processor sits at the 14th percentile of all CPUs in the benchmark database, with an average score of 604. It was launched at an MSRP of $138 and is now end-of-life.
How It Compares
The i3-2130's average benchmark score of 604 places it in a tight cluster of low-end processors. The nearest rivals are all within a fraction of a percent, indicating that the i3-2130 performs at a level common among entry-level parts from the same era. The 14th percentile ranking confirms that this processor is well below the median of all CPUs in the database, yet its direct competitors are remarkably close in aggregate performance.
Against the Intel Celeron 4305UE: The Celeron 4305UE scores 605, giving the i3-2130 a 0.2% deficit. The two are effectively indistinguishable in aggregate benchmarks. The i3-2130's four threads may offer a slight advantage in multi-threaded workloads, but the overall scores suggest parity. In everyday use, the difference would be imperceptible.
Against the Intel Atom x7-E3950: The Atom x7-E3950 averages 606, a 0.3% advantage over the i3-2130. This is a negligible difference, though the Atom's low-power design is a different trade-off. In raw performance, the two are statistically tied. The Atom's lower TDP might appeal to fanless systems, but the i3-2130 counters with higher clock speed and a more mature architecture.
Against the AMD Opteron 3250 HE: The Opteron 3250 HE scores 602, making the i3-2130 0.3% faster. This is the only rival that the i3-2130 edges out, but again the margin is within noise. The Opteron is a server-oriented part, yet its aggregate score is nearly identical to the desktop i3-2130. The i3-2130's advantage, while tiny, shows that its dual-core with Hyper-Threading can hold its own against a more server-focused chip.
Against the Intel Core i7-610E: The i7-610E also scores 606, giving the i3-2130 a 0.3% deficit. The i7-610E is a mobile part, yet it matches the desktop i3-2130 in average score. This is notable because the i7-610E is from a higher tier, but its lower clock speed and mobile design bring it down to the same level. The i3-2130's fixed 3.40 GHz base clock likely compensates for its older architecture.
Overall, the i3-2130's performance is tightly grouped with these four rivals, all within a 0.6% spread (from 602 to 606). This suggests that the i3-2130 is a typical representative of a performance band that includes both low-end desktop and mobile parts. The 14th percentile ranking underscores that this band is at the bottom of the current CPU landscape.
Power and Thermals
The i3-2130 has a TDP of 65W, which is typical for a dual-core desktop processor of its generation. The 32nm process node, with 504 million transistors on a 131 mm² die, means the chip is relatively small and power-efficient for its time. Because there is no boost clock, the processor runs at a constant 3.40 GHz under load, which simplifies thermal behavior. The integrated Intel HD 2000 graphics adds a modest amount of heat, but the overall thermal envelope remains low.
A basic air cooler with a small heatsink and fan is sufficient to manage the heat output. The lack of an unlocked multiplier (the multiplier is locked) means no overclocking headroom, so the thermal design is straightforward. The 65W TDP also suggests that the CPU can be used in compact systems with limited cooling, though the older process node may require adequate airflow to maintain stable temperatures. In practice, the i3-2130 will not stress a modern power supply or cooling solution, making it an easy component to integrate into legacy builds.
The transistor count and die size also indicate a relatively simple chip. With 504 million transistors, the i3-2130 is far less complex than contemporary multi-core processors, which contributes to its modest power draw. The 32nm process, while old by today's standards, was a mature node at the time and allows for a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency. The fixed clock speed eliminates the need for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, which further simplifies the power delivery requirements.
Benchmark Performance
The i3-2130's benchmark results are consistent with its position as a low-end dual-core part. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 176 points. In R20 multi-core, it scores 737, and in R20 single-core, it scores 103. The R23 multi-core score is 1755, while the R23 single-core score is 247. These numbers illustrate a significant gap between multi-threaded and single-threaded performance, with the multi-core scores being roughly 7 to 10 times higher than single-core scores across the same test versions. For example, in R23, the multi-core score of 1755 is 7.1 times the single-core score of 247. This ratio reflects the efficiency of the two cores and four threads when all are utilized.
Compared to its nearest rivals, the i3-2130's average score of 604 is 0.2% lower than the Celeron 4305UE's 605, 0.3% lower than the Atom x7-E3950's 606, 0.3% higher than the Opteron 3250 HE's 602, and 0.3% lower than the Core i7-610E's 606. These deltas are all within a fraction of a percent, meaning the i3-2130 delivers essentially the same aggregate performance as these other entry-level chips. The 14th percentile ranking indicates that it outperforms only 14% of all CPUs in the database, placing it in the bottom tier of modern processors.
The single-core scores are particularly telling: an R20 single-core score of 103 and an R23 single-core score of 247 show that the i3-2130's per-thread performance is low by contemporary standards. This is expected for a 2011 architecture with a 3.4 GHz base clock and no boost. However, for basic productivity tasks and legacy software, the i3-2130 can still handle light workloads. The multi-core scores, while also low, show that the Hyper-Threading technology (4 threads) provides a measurable improvement over a pure dual-core without HT, though we do not have a direct comparison. The R15 multi-core score of 176, while a legacy benchmark, aligns with the R20 and R23 results, confirming a consistent performance profile across versions.
Platform and Compatibility
The i3-2130 is built for the Intel Socket 1155 platform. It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s. The memory controller does not support ECC, so error-correcting memory is not available. For expansion, the CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 2 lanes, which is adequate for a single graphics card or a few add-in cards, but it is two generations behind current PCIe Gen 5 standards. The integrated graphics is Intel HD 2000, which is a basic solution suitable for office work and video playback, but not for gaming or heavy graphical tasks.
The processor's multiplier is locked, meaning users cannot overclock it. The production status is end-of-life, so no new units are being made. The upgrade path is limited to other processors that fit the same Socket 1155, but since the platform is from 2011, any compatible upgrade would also be outdated. The memory support is limited to DDR3, which has been superseded by DDR4 and DDR5. The PCIe Gen 2 interface may bottleneck modern graphics cards, though the CPU's own performance would be the limiting factor in most scenarios. Overall, the i3-2130 is a legacy part that is best suited for basic, non-demanding systems or as a replacement in an existing Socket 1155 motherboard.
The lack of ECC support further limits its use in server or workstation environments where data integrity is critical. The dual-channel memory controller provides 21.3 GB/s of bandwidth, which is sufficient for the i3-2130's two cores but pales compared to modern platforms. The integrated HD 2000 graphics has no dedicated memory and shares system memory, which can impact performance in memory-intensive tasks. For users building a new system today, the i3-2130 is not a viable choice due to its outdated socket, memory, and PCIe standards. However, for those with a legacy Socket 1155 board, it remains a functional, low-power option.
FAQ
Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core i3-2130?
A: The TDP is 65 watts.
Q: Does the i3-2130 support ECC memory?
A: No, ECC memory is not supported.
Q: What is the socket type?
A: It uses Intel Socket 1155.
Q: What is the base clock speed?
A: The base clock is 3.40 GHz, with no boost clock.
Q: What integrated graphics does it include?
A: It includes Intel HD 2000.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?
A: No, the multiplier is locked.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i3-2130
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1200 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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