How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100F scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i7-8700K scores 36.4/100. Intel Core i3-12100F wins 11 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-8700K wins 8.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100F and the Intel Core i7-8700K?

Intel Core i3-12100F advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 37; 233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB; 100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB; 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3; 39% lower Base TDP: 58 W vs 95 W; Lower launch price: $97 vs $359. Intel Core i7-8700K advantages: 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher threads: 12 vs 8; 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 i7-8700K?

Intel Core i3-12100F launched cheaper at $97, versus $359 for the Intel Core i7-8700K.

Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i7-8700K

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100F

$97

Intel

Intel Core i7-8700K

$359

55.3Single-core37.3

34.2Multi-core34.7

36Gaming38.5

11 spec wins — Intel Core i3-12100F8 spec wins — Intel Core i7-8700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100F wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 36.4, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+18). Intel Core i7-8700K 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 37
233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB
100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB
67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
39% lower Base TDP: 58 W vs 95 W
Lower launch price: $97 vs $359

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-8700K

50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher threads: 12 vs 8
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 i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i7-8700K
Announced	2022	2017
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1151-v2
Process	10 nm+29%	14 nm
Base TDP	58 W+39%	95 W
Max turbo power	89 W	—
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i7-8700K
Cores	4	6+50%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8	12+50%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	4.7 GHz+9%
L2 cache	5 MB+233%	2 MB
L3 cache	12 MB	12 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i7-8700K
iGPU	—	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	—	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i7-8700K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-2666
Max memory	128 GB+100%	64 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i7-8700K
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i7-8700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+31%Top 36%	1,560Top 58%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700Top 60%	6,800+1%Top 59%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680+32%Top 35%	1,270Top 63%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700Top 66%	9,200+6%Top 61%
PassMark	14,100+1%Top 65%	13,900Top 68%

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