How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i9-14900K scores 87.3/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 3 individual spec rows, Intel Core i9-14900K wins 17.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i9-14900K?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: 52% lower Base TDP: 60 W vs 125 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $122 vs $589. Intel Core i9-14900K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 88 vs 55; Stronger Multi-core score: 95 vs 34; Stronger gaming score: 73 vs 36; 540% higher L2 cache: 32 MB vs 5 MB; 500% higher cores: 24 vs 4.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i9-14900K?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $589 for the Intel Core i9-14900K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i9-14900K

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i9-14900K

$589

55.3Single-core88.2

34.2Multi-core94.5

36Gaming73.2

3 spec wins — Intel Core i3-1210017 spec wins — Intel Core i9-14900K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i9-14900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 87.3 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in Multi-core (+60) and gaming (+37). 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 $589

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-14900K

Stronger Single-core score: 88 vs 55
Stronger Multi-core score: 95 vs 34
Stronger gaming score: 73 vs 36
540% higher L2 cache: 32 MB vs 5 MB
500% higher cores: 24 vs 4

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-14900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-14900K
Announced	2022	2023
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
Process	10 nm	10 nm
Base TDP	60 W+52%	125 W
Max turbo power	89 W	253 W+184%
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-14900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-14900K
Cores	4	24+500%
Performance cores	4	8+100%
Efficiency cores	0	16
Threads	8	32+300%
Base clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	6 GHz+40%
L2 cache	5 MB	32 MB+540%
L3 cache	12 MB	36 MB+200%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-14900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-14900K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 770
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz	1,650 MHz+18%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-14900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-14900K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200
Max memory	128 GB	192 GB+50%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-14900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-14900K
PCIe version	5	5
CPU PCIe lanes	20	20

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i9-14900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i9-14900K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050Top 36%	3,130+53%Top 8%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Top 60%	21,000+213%Top 4%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680Top 35%	2,280+36%Top 3%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Top 66%	40,000+360%Top 4%
PassMark	14,000Top 66%	62,000+343%Top 5%

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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 i9-14900Kvs AMD Ryzen 9 7950XVS Intel Core i9-14900Kvs AMD Ryzen 9 9900XVS Intel Core i9-14900Kvs Intel Core i9-13900KVS Intel Core i9-14900Kvs Intel Core i9-14900KSVS

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