How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i7-7700K scores 29.8/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 15 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-7700K wins 3.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i7-7700K?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 35; Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 28; Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 28; 400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB; 100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB; Lower launch price: $122 vs $339. Intel Core i7-7700K advantages: 27% higher Base clock: 4.2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz; Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i7-7700K?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $339 for the Intel Core i7-7700K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i7-7700K

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

Intel

Intel Core i7-7700K

$339

55.3Single-core34.5

34.2Multi-core28

36Gaming27.5

15 spec wins — Intel Core i3-121003 spec wins — Intel Core i7-7700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 29.8, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+21) and gaming (+9). Intel Core i7-7700K 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 35
Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 28
Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 28
400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB
100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB
Lower launch price: $122 vs $339

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-7700K

27% higher Base clock: 4.2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz
Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-7700K
Announced	2022	2017
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1151
Process	10 nm+29%	14 nm
Base TDP	60 W+34%	91 W
Max turbo power	89 W	—
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-7700K
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8	8
Base clock	3.3 GHz	4.2 GHz+27%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	4.5 GHz+5%
L2 cache	5 MB+400%	1 MB
L3 cache	12 MB+50%	8 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-7700K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel HD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz+22%	1,150 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-7700K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-2400 / DDR3L-1600
Max memory	128 GB+100%	64 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-7700K
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-7700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+35%Top 36%	1,520Top 64%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700+35%Top 60%	4,950Top 77%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680+42%Top 35%	1,180Top 73%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700+61%Top 66%	5,400Top 81%
PassMark	14,000+44%Top 66%	9,700Top 78%

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