How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100F scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-9600K scores 32/100. Intel Core i3-12100F wins 14 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-9600K wins 6.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100F and the Intel Core i5-9600K?

Intel Core i3-12100F advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 36; Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 30; Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 31; 233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB; 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3; Lower launch price: $97 vs $262. Intel Core i5-9600K advantages: 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4; 34% higher Max turbo power: 119 W vs 89 W; 12% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 3.3 GHz; Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100F or Intel Core i5-9600K?

Intel Core i3-12100F launched cheaper at $97, versus $262 for the Intel Core i5-9600K.

Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i5-9600K

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100F

$97

Intel

Intel Core i5-9600K

$262

55.3Single-core36

34.2Multi-core29.8

36Gaming31

14 spec wins — Intel Core i3-12100F6 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100F wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 32, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+19) and gaming (+5). Intel Core i5-9600K 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 36
Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 30
Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 31
233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB
67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
Lower launch price: $97 vs $262

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9600K

50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
34% higher Max turbo power: 119 W vs 89 W
12% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 3.3 GHz
Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9600K
Announced	2022	2018
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1151-v2
Process	10 nm+29%	14 nm
Base TDP	58 W+39%	95 W
Max turbo power	89 W	119 W+34%
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9600K
Cores	4	6+50%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8+33%	6
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	4.6 GHz+7%
L2 cache	5 MB+233%	2 MB
L3 cache	12 MB+33%	9 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9600K
iGPU	—	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	—	1,150 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9600K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-2666
Max memory	128 GB	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9600K
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+30%Top 36%	1,580Top 56%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700+34%Top 60%	5,000Top 76%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680+40%Top 35%	1,200Top 72%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700+30%Top 66%	6,700Top 75%
PassMark	14,100+26%Top 65%	11,200Top 76%

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