Intel Core i3 2120

Next up is a look at the CPU thermal performance and power consumption. The Phoronix Test Suite automatically monitored the respective sensors while running a few more tests. The CPU temperature was monitored through the Linux coretemp driver and the power consumption was monitored via an USB-based Watts Up AC power meter that is supported by the Phoronix Test Suite and measures the total system power. These sensors were monitored while running Nexuiz followed by C-Ray.

The average CPU temperature was not greatly different for the Core i3 2120 from the other Sandy Bridge CPUs (including the soon-to-be-reviewed Core i4 2400S). When running Nexuiz the CPU temperature was a comfortable 39.8°C average.

While running Nexuiz, the average power consumption was around 47.8 Watts, which is in line with the other Core i3 CPU and a couple Watts lower than the Core i5 SNB CPUs.