Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i7-12700K
55.3Single-core69.4
34.2Multi-core61.5
36Gaming58.1
3 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210016 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-12700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 63 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in Multi-core (+27) and gaming (+22). 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 $409
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-12700K
- Stronger Single-core score: 69 vs 55
- Stronger Multi-core score: 62 vs 34
- Stronger gaming score: 58 vs 36
- 200% higher cores: 12 vs 4
- 157% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 22,400 vs 8,700
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 60 W+52% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 89 W | 190 W+113% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 12+200% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 20+150% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+9% |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 5 GHz+16% |
| L2 cache | 5 MB | 12 MB+140% |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 25 MB+108% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,400 MHz | 1,500 MHz+7% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,050Top 36% | 2,500+22%Top 25% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,700Top 60% | 14,300+113%Top 23% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,680Top 35% | 1,950+16%Top 20% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700Top 66% | 22,400+157%Top 18% |
| PassMark | 14,000Top 66% | 34,500+146%Top 23% |
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