Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i9-12900K
55.3Single-core72.2
34.2Multi-core70.4
36Gamingspec-based63.8
4 spec wins — Intel Core i3-12100F14 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 41, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+36) and single-core (+17). Intel Core i3-12100F 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
- 54% lower Base TDP: 58 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $97 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 55
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 34
- 300% higher cores: 16 vs 4
- 201% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 8,700
- 200% higher threads: 24 vs 8
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 58 W+54% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 89 W | 241 W+171% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 16+300% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 8 | 24+200% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz+3% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 5.2 GHz+21% |
| L2 cache | 5 MB | 14 MB+180% |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 30 MB+150% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,050Top 48% | 2,715+32%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,700Bottom 34% | 17,450+160%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,680Top 45% | 1,903+13%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700Bottom 29% | 26,229+201%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 14,100Bottom 24% | 41,103+192%Top 24% |
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