Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i9-10850K
55.3Single-core40.7
34.2Multi-core47
36Gaming54
10 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210011 spec wins — Intel Core i9-10850K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-10850K wins this desktop processor face-off, 46.8 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+18) and Multi-core (+13). 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 41
- 100% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 3 MB
- 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
- 52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W
- 29% lower process: 10 nm vs 14 nm
- Lower launch price: $122 vs $453
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-10850K
- Stronger Multi-core score: 47 vs 34
- Stronger gaming score: 54 vs 36
- 181% higher Max turbo power: 250 W vs 89 W
- 150% higher cores: 10 vs 4
- 150% higher Performance cores: 10 vs 4
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i9-10850K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2020 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1200 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 60 W+52% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 89 W | 250 W+181% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i9-10850K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 10+150% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 10+150% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 8 | 20+150% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+9% |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 5.2 GHz+21% |
| L2 cache | 5 MB+100% | 3 MB |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 20 MB+67% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i9-10850K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,400 MHz+17% | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i9-10850K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i9-10850K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i9-10850K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,050+21%Top 36% | 1,700Top 52% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,700Top 60% | 10,100+51%Top 39% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,680+28%Top 35% | 1,310Top 57% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700Top 66% | 15,700+80%Top 34% |
| PassMark | 14,000Top 66% | 22,700+62%Top 42% |
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