Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-9600K
55.3Single-core36
34.2Multi-core29.8
36Gamingspec-based31
14 spec wins — Intel Core i3-121006 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i3-12100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 32, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+19) and multi-core (+4). Intel Core i5-9600K 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 36
- Stronger multi-core score: 34 vs 30
- 233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB
- 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
- 40% higher Cinebench R23 (single): 1,680 vs 1,200
- Lower launch price: $122 vs $262
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9600K
- 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
- 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
- 34% higher Max turbo power: 119 W vs 89 W
- 12% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 3.3 GHz
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2018 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 60 W+37% | 95 W |
| Max turbo power | 89 W | 119 W+34% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 8+33% | 6 |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+12% |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.6 GHz+7% |
| L2 cache | 5 MB+233% | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 12 MB+33% | 9 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,400 MHz | 1,150 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,050+30%Top 49% | 1,580Bottom 38% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,700+34%Bottom 33% | 5,000Bottom 21% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,680+40%Top 47% | 1,200Bottom 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700+30%Bottom 29% | 6,700Bottom 21% |
| PassMark | 14,000+25%Bottom 24% | 11,200Bottom 17% |
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