How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-12600K scores 55.4/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 3 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-12600K wins 13.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i5-12600K?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: 52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $122 vs $318. Intel Core i5-12600K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 65 vs 55; Stronger multi-core score: 51 vs 34; 150% higher cores: 10 vs 4; 100% higher threads: 16 vs 8; 96% higher PassMark: 27,501 vs 14,000.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i5-12600K?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $318 for the Intel Core i5-12600K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-12600K

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-12600K

$318

55.3Single-core65.2

34.2Multi-core50.8

36Gamingspec-based52.1

3 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210013 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-12600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 55.4 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+17) and single-core (+10). 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

52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $122 vs $318

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12600K

Stronger single-core score: 65 vs 55
Stronger multi-core score: 51 vs 34
150% higher cores: 10 vs 4
100% higher threads: 16 vs 8
96% higher PassMark: 27,501 vs 14,000

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600K
Announced	2022	2021
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
Process	10 nm	10 nm
Base TDP	60 W+52%	125 W
Max turbo power	89 W	150 W+69%
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600K
Cores	4	10+150%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	4
Threads	8	16+100%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	4.9 GHz+14%
L2 cache	5 MB	10 MB+90%
L3 cache	12 MB	20 MB+67%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 770
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz	1,450 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600K
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 i5-12600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600K
PCIe version	5	5
CPU PCIe lanes	20	20

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050Top 48%	—
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Bottom 34%	—
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680Top 45%	1,809+8%Top 38%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Bottom 29%	16,878+94%Top 37%
PassMark	14,000Bottom 24%	27,501+96%Top 47%

Related comparisons

Intel Core i3-12100vs AMD Ryzen 5 5500VS Intel Core i3-12100vs Intel Core i3-12100FVS Intel Core i3-12100vs AMD Ryzen 5 3600VS Intel Core i3-12100vs Intel Core i3-13100FVS Intel Core i5-12600Kvs AMD Ryzen 9 3900XVS Intel Core i5-12600Kvs AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3DVS Intel Core i5-12600Kvs AMD Ryzen 7 8700GVS Intel Core i5-12600Kvs Intel Core i5-12600KFVS

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