How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i7-11700K scores 47.3/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 9 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-11700K wins 11.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i7-11700K?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 48; 52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W; 29% lower process: 10 nm vs 14 nm; 25% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 4 MB; 25% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 4; Lower launch price: $122 vs $399. Intel Core i7-11700K advantages: Stronger Multi-core score: 47 vs 34; Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 36; 182% higher Max turbo power: 251 W vs 89 W; 100% higher cores: 8 vs 4; 100% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 4.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i7-11700K?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $399 for the Intel Core i7-11700K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i7-11700K

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-11700K

$399

55.3Single-core47.9

34.2Multi-core46.8

36Gaming47.4

9 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210011 spec wins — Intel Core i7-11700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-11700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.3 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in Multi-core (+13) and gaming (+11). 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

Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 48
52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W
29% lower process: 10 nm vs 14 nm
25% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 4 MB
25% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 4
Lower launch price: $122 vs $399

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-11700K

Stronger Multi-core score: 47 vs 34
Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 36
182% higher Max turbo power: 251 W vs 89 W
100% higher cores: 8 vs 4
100% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 4

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-11700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-11700K
Announced	2022	2021
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1200
Process	10 nm+29%	14 nm
Base TDP	60 W+52%	125 W
Max turbo power	89 W	251 W+182%
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-11700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-11700K
Cores	4	8+100%
Performance cores	4	8+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8	16+100%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	5 GHz+16%
L2 cache	5 MB+25%	4 MB
L3 cache	12 MB	16 MB+33%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-11700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-11700K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 750
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz+8%	1,300 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-11700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-11700K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-3200
Max memory	128 GB	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-11700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-11700K
PCIe version	5+25%	4
CPU PCIe lanes	20	20

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-11700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-11700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+14%Top 36%	1,800Top 46%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Top 60%	9,600+43%Top 42%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680+8%Top 35%	1,550Top 42%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Top 66%	15,000+72%Top 36%
PassMark	14,000Top 66%	24,700+76%Top 39%

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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 i7-11700Kvs Intel Core i5-12400VS Intel Core i7-11700Kvs Intel Core i5-12400FVS Intel Core i7-11700Kvs Intel Core i9-10850KVS Intel Core i7-11700Kvs Intel Core i9-10900KVS

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