The New K-Series, Intel Core i3 2120K

As we know, overclocking is still limited in 1155 to the i5 platform i7 2500K and 2600K, but now has come a 2120K i3 processors based on Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture will have unlocked multiplier to offer more variety for the enthusiast on a platform 1155. Once launched, it will become Intel's fastest Sandy Bridge CPU with two processing cores.

The most important feature is the unlocked multiplier design, as this means that overclockers will be able to push the operating frequencies of the processor further than Intel's specifications.

Outside of these modifications, the Core i3 2120K shares most of its features with the rest of Intel's Core i3 CPU models and features 3MB of Level 3 cache, Intel HD 2000 integrated graphics, an integrated memory controller, and Hyper-Threading support. The chip's TDP has also remained unchanged from the rest of the Core i3 desktop lineup and is set at 65W.

When it designed the Sandy Bridge architecture, Intel decided to take a different route as far as overclocking is concerned and it locked the BCLK of the CPUs. This means that overclocking is no longer possible if the processor doesn't come with an unlocked multiplier.In the forth quarter of this year, Intel will release new processor models based on the Sandy Bridge-E architecture that will feature even greater overclocking potential as both their BCLK and multiplier will be unlocked.