How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-6500 scores 23.5/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 16 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-6500 wins 0.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i5-6500?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 23; Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 22; 400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB; 150% higher PassMark: 14,000 vs 5,600; Lower launch price: $122 vs $192.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i5-6500?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $192 for the Intel Core i5-6500.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-6500

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

Intel

Intel Core i5-6500

$192

55.3Single-core25.6

34.2Multi-core22.9

36Gaming21.9

16 spec wins — Intel Core i3-121000 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6500

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 23.5, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+30) and gaming (+14). Intel Core i5-6500 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 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 23
Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 22
400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB
150% higher PassMark: 14,000 vs 5,600
Lower launch price: $122 vs $192

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-6500

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

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-6500
Announced	2022	2015
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1151
Process	10 nm+29%	14 nm
Base TDP	60 W+8%	65 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 i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-6500
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8+100%	4
Base clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Boost clock	4.3 GHz+19%	3.6 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 i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-6500
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel HD Graphics 530
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz+33%	1,050 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-6500
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600
Max memory	128 GB+100%	64 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-6500
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i5-6500
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i5-6500
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+74%Top 36%	1,180Top 85%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700+120%Top 60%	3,050Top 92%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680Top 35%	—
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700+149%Top 66%	3,500Top 95%
PassMark	14,000+150%Top 66%	5,600Top 95%

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