How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-12600KF scores 56.6/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 3 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-12600KF wins 15.

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

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 $264. Intel Core i5-12600KF advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 67 vs 55; Stronger Multi-core score: 52 vs 34; Stronger gaming score: 52 vs 36; 150% higher cores: 10 vs 4; 100% higher threads: 16 vs 8.

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

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $264 for the Intel Core i5-12600KF.

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

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-12600KF

$264

55.3Single-core66.5

34.2Multi-core52.4

36Gaming52.1

3 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210015 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600KF

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-12600KF wins this desktop processor face-off, 56.6 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in Multi-core (+18) and gaming (+16). 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 $264

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12600KF

Stronger Single-core score: 67 vs 55
Stronger Multi-core score: 52 vs 34
Stronger gaming score: 52 vs 36
150% higher cores: 10 vs 4
100% higher threads: 16 vs 8

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
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 i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
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 i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	—
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz	—

Memory

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

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050Top 36%	2,400+17%Top 28%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Top 60%	12,500+87%Top 29%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680Top 35%	1,900+13%Top 21%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Top 66%	17,300+99%Top 28%
PassMark	14,000Top 66%	27,300+95%Top 33%

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 i5-11600KVS Intel Core i5-12600KFvs AMD Ryzen 7 8700GVS Intel Core i5-12600KFvs AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DVS Intel Core i5-12600KFvs AMD Ryzen 9 3900XVS Intel Core i5-12600KFvs AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3DVS

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