How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-14600K scores 68.6/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-14600K wins 17.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i5-14600K?

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 i5-14600K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 81 vs 55; Stronger multi-core score: 66 vs 34; 300% higher L2 cache: 20 MB vs 5 MB; 250% higher cores: 14 vs 4; 182% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 24,500 vs 8,700.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i5-14600K?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $319 for the Intel Core i5-14600K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-14600K

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-14600K

$319

55.3Single-core81.1

34.2Multi-core65.7

36Gamingspec-based59

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210017 spec wins — Intel Core i5-14600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-14600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 68.6 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+32) and single-core (+26). 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 i5-14600K

Stronger single-core score: 81 vs 55
Stronger multi-core score: 66 vs 34
300% higher L2 cache: 20 MB vs 5 MB
250% higher cores: 14 vs 4
182% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 24,500 vs 8,700

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-14600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-14600K
Announced	2022	2023
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 i5-14600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-14600K
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	5.3 GHz+23%
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 i5-14600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-14600K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 770
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz	1,550 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-14600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-14600K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200
Max memory	128 GB	192 GB+50%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-14600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-14600K
PCIe version	5	5
CPU PCIe lanes	20	20

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-14600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-14600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050Top 49%	2,900+41%Top 26%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Bottom 33%	15,000+124%Top 32%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680Top 47%	2,150+28%Top 17%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Bottom 29%	24,500+182%Top 23%
PassMark	14,000Bottom 24%	38,500+175%Top 28%

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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 i3-13100FVS Intel Core i5-14600Kvs Intel Core i9-12900KVS Intel Core i5-14600Kvs AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DVS Intel Core i5-14600Kvs AMD Ryzen 9 5950XVS Intel Core i5-14600Kvs Intel Core Ultra 5 235VS

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