How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i9-10900K scores 47.9/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 9 individual spec rows, Intel Core i9-10900K wins 11.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i9-10900K?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: Stronger single-core score: 55 vs 42; 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 $488. Intel Core i9-10900K advantages: Stronger multi-core score: 48 vs 34; 181% higher Max turbo power: 250 W vs 89 W; 150% higher cores: 10 vs 4; 150% higher Performance cores: 10 vs 4; 150% higher threads: 20 vs 8.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i9-10900K?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $488 for the Intel Core i9-10900K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i9-10900K

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i9-10900K

$488

55.3Single-core41.9

34.2Multi-core48.2

36Gamingspec-based54.6

9 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210011 spec wins — Intel Core i9-10900K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i9-10900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.9 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+14). 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 42
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 $488

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-10900K

Stronger multi-core score: 48 vs 34
181% higher Max turbo power: 250 W vs 89 W
150% higher cores: 10 vs 4
150% higher Performance cores: 10 vs 4
150% higher threads: 20 vs 8

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-10900K
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

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-10900K
Cores	4	10+150%
Performance cores	4	10+150%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8	20+150%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	5.3 GHz+23%
L2 cache	5 MB+100%	3 MB
L3 cache	12 MB	20 MB+67%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-10900K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-10900K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-2933
Max memory	128 GB	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-10900K
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-10900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-10900K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+18%Top 49%	1,730Bottom 42%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Bottom 33%	10,400+55%Top 50%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680+25%Top 47%	1,340Bottom 38%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Bottom 29%	16,300+87%Top 40%
PassMark	14,000Bottom 24%	23,700+69%Bottom 43%

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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 i3-13100FVS Intel Core i9-10900Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 5600VS Intel Core i9-10900Kvs Intel Core i5-12400VS Intel Core i9-10900Kvs Intel Core i5-12400FVS Intel Core i9-10900Kvs Intel Core i7-11700KVS

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