How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-13600K scores 66.5/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-13600K wins 16.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i5-13600K?

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 $319. Intel Core i5-13600K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 75 vs 55; Stronger Multi-core score: 66 vs 34; Stronger gaming score: 58 vs 36; 300% higher L2 cache: 20 MB vs 5 MB; 250% higher cores: 14 vs 4.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i5-13600K?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $319 for the Intel Core i5-13600K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-13600K

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-13600K

$319

55.3Single-core75.1

34.2Multi-core65.5

36Gaming57.8

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210016 spec wins — Intel Core i5-13600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-13600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 66.5 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in Multi-core (+31) and gaming (+22). 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 $319

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-13600K

Stronger Single-core score: 75 vs 55
Stronger Multi-core score: 66 vs 34
Stronger gaming score: 58 vs 36
300% higher L2 cache: 20 MB vs 5 MB
250% higher cores: 14 vs 4

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-13600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-13600K
Announced	2022	2022
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
Process	10 nm	10 nm
Base TDP	60 W+52%	125 W
Max turbo power	89 W	181 W+103%
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-13600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-13600K
Cores	4	14+250%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	8
Threads	8	20+150%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.5 GHz+6%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	5.1 GHz+19%
L2 cache	5 MB	20 MB+300%
L3 cache	12 MB	24 MB+100%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-13600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-13600K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 770
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz	1,550 MHz+11%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-13600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-13600K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200
Max memory	128 GB	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-13600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-13600K
PCIe version	5	5
CPU PCIe lanes	20	20

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-13600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-13600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050Top 36%	2,750+34%Top 18%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Top 60%	15,500+131%Top 17%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680Top 35%	2,000+19%Top 17%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Top 66%	24,000+176%Top 17%
PassMark	14,000Top 66%	38,300+174%Top 20%

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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 i5-13600Kvs AMD Ryzen 7 7700XVS Intel Core i5-13600Kvs AMD Ryzen 7 7700VS Intel Core i5-13600Kvs Intel Core i5-14600KVS Intel Core i5-13600Kvs AMD Ryzen 9 5900XVS

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