How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-4590 scores 22.4/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 16 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-4590 wins 0.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i5-4590?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 22; Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 23; Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 23; 400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB; 300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB; Lower launch price: $122 vs $192.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i5-4590?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $192 for the Intel Core i5-4590.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-4590

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

Intel

Intel Core i5-4590

$192

55.3Single-core21.8

34.2Multi-core22.8

36Gaming22.5

16 spec wins — Intel Core i3-121000 spec wins — Intel Core i5-4590

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 22.4, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+34) and gaming (+14). Intel Core i5-4590 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

Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 22
Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 23
Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 23
400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB
300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB
Lower launch price: $122 vs $192

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-4590

No decisive spec advantages — this side competes on price and preference.

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-4590
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-4590
Announced	2022	2014
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1150
Process	10 nm+55%	22 nm
Base TDP	60 W+29%	84 W
Max turbo power	89 W	—
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-4590
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-4590
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8+100%	4
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
Boost clock	4.3 GHz+16%	3.7 GHz
L2 cache	5 MB+400%	1 MB
L3 cache	12 MB+100%	6 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-4590
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-4590
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz+22%	1,150 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-4590
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-4590
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR3-1600
Max memory	128 GB+300%	32 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-4590
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-4590
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-4590
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-4590
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+86%Top 36%	1,100Top 91%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700+131%Top 60%	2,900Top 96%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680+83%Top 35%	920Top 93%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700+149%Top 66%	3,500Top 95%
PassMark	14,000+150%Top 66%	5,600Top 95%

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 i5-4590vs Intel Core i5-4670KVS Intel Core i5-4590vs Intel Core i5-3470VS Intel Core i5-4590vs Intel Core i5-6500VS Intel Core i5-4590vs AMD Ryzen 3 1200VS

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