Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-11600K
55.3Single-core48
34.2Multi-core39.1
36Gamingspec-based39.8
8 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210010 spec wins — Intel Core i5-11600K
InnoReviews verdict
This one is close to a dead heat: Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41 against 42 for Intel Core i5-11600K. Pick by the categories that matter to you — Intel Core i5-11600K edges ahead in multi-core, or by price.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-12100
- Stronger single-core score: 55 vs 48
- 67% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 3 MB
- 52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W
- 29% lower process: 10 nm vs 14 nm
- 25% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 4
- Lower launch price: $122 vs $262
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-11600K
- Stronger multi-core score: 39 vs 34
- 182% higher Max turbo power: 251 W vs 89 W
- 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
- 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
- 50% higher threads: 12 vs 8
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1200 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 60 W+52% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 89 W | 251 W+182% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 8 | 12+50% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.9 GHz+18% |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.9 GHz+14% |
| L2 cache | 5 MB+67% | 3 MB |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 12 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
| iGPU clock | 1,400 MHz | 1,300 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+25% | 4 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,050+10%Top 49% | 1,870Bottom 47% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,700Bottom 33% | 7,100+6%Bottom 38% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,680+12%Top 46% | 1,500Bottom 46% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700Bottom 29% | 11,100+28%Bottom 42% |
| PassMark | 14,000Bottom 24% | 19,800+41%Bottom 36% |
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