Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i5-6600K
55.3Single-core29
34.2Multi-core24
36Gaming23.8
16 spec wins — Intel Core i3-12100F2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i3-12100F wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 25.4, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+26) and gaming (+12). Intel Core i5-6600K 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 i3-12100F
- Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 29
- Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 24
- Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 24
- 400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB
- 120% higher PassMark: 14,100 vs 6,400
- Lower launch price: $97 vs $242
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-6600K
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2015 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 58 W+36% | 91 W |
| Max turbo power | 89 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Performance cores | 4 | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 8+100% | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.5 GHz+6% |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz+10% | 3.9 GHz |
| L2 cache | 5 MB+400% | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 12 MB+100% | 6 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,150 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600 |
| Max memory | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,050+58%Top 36% | 1,300Top 77% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,700+100%Top 60% | 3,350Top 90% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,680+51%Top 35% | 1,110Top 78% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700+115%Top 66% | 4,050Top 90% |
| PassMark | 14,100+120%Top 65% | 6,400Top 89% |
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