How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-12400 scores 47.3/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-12400 wins 13.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i5-12400?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: 32% higher Base clock: 3.3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz; Lower launch price: $122 vs $192. Intel Core i5-12400 advantages: Stronger Multi-core score: 42 vs 34; Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 36; 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 i5-12400?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $192 for the Intel Core i5-12400.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-12400

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-12400

$192

55.3Single-core56.4

34.2Multi-core41.7

36Gaming46.5

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210013 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12400

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-12400 wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.3 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+11) and Multi-core (+8). Intel Core i3-12100 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

32% higher Base clock: 3.3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz
Lower launch price: $122 vs $192

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12400

Stronger Multi-core score: 42 vs 34
Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 36
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 i5-12400
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12400
Announced	2022	2022
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
Process	10 nm	10 nm
Base TDP	60 W+8%	65 W
Max turbo power	89 W	117 W+31%
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12400
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12400
Cores	4	6+50%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8	12+50%
Base clock	3.3 GHz+32%	2.5 GHz
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	4.4 GHz+2%
L2 cache	5 MB	8 MB+50%
L3 cache	12 MB	18 MB+50%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12400
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12400
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 730
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz	1,450 MHz+4%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12400
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12400
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Max memory	128 GB	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12400
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12400
PCIe version	5	5
CPU PCIe lanes	20	20

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12400
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12400
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050Top 36%	2,100+2%Top 32%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Top 60%	9,400+40%Top 43%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680Top 35%	1,690+1%Top 33%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Top 66%	11,900+37%Top 47%
PassMark	14,000Top 66%	19,700+41%Top 49%

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