How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-10600K scores 36.3/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 11 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-10600K wins 9.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i5-10600K?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 36; 233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB; 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3; 52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W; 37% higher Cinebench R23 (single): 1,680 vs 1,230; Lower launch price: $122 vs $262. Intel Core i5-10600K advantages: Stronger gaming score: 39 vs 36; 104% higher Max turbo power: 182 W vs 89 W; 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher threads: 12 vs 8.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i5-10600K?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $262 for the Intel Core i5-10600K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-10600K

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

Intel

Intel Core i5-10600K

$262

55.3Single-core36.4

34.2Multi-core34.7

36Gaming39.2

11 spec wins — Intel Core i3-121009 spec wins — Intel Core i5-10600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 36.3, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+19). Intel Core i5-10600K still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-12100

Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 36
233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB
67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W
37% higher Cinebench R23 (single): 1,680 vs 1,230
Lower launch price: $122 vs $262

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-10600K

Stronger gaming score: 39 vs 36
104% higher Max turbo power: 182 W vs 89 W
50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher threads: 12 vs 8

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-10600K
Announced	2022	2020
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1200
Process	10 nm+29%	14 nm
Base TDP	60 W+52%	125 W
Max turbo power	89 W	182 W+104%
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-10600K
Cores	4	6+50%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8	12+50%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	4.1 GHz+24%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	4.8 GHz+12%
L2 cache	5 MB+233%	2 MB
L3 cache	12 MB	12 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-10600K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz+17%	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-10600K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-2666
Max memory	128 GB	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-10600K
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-10600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+31%Top 36%	1,560Top 58%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700+3%Top 60%	6,500Top 64%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680+37%Top 35%	1,230Top 68%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Top 66%	9,200+6%Top 61%
PassMark	14,000Top 66%	14,500+4%Top 62%

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