How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-14100F scores 45.7/100 overall; Intel Core i9-12900K scores 69.3/100. Intel Core i3-14100F wins 5 individual spec rows, Intel Core i9-12900K wins 14.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-14100F and the Intel Core i9-12900K?

Intel Core i3-14100F advantages: 54% lower Base TDP: 58 W vs 125 W; 50% higher Max memory: 192 GB vs 128 GB; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $109 vs $648. Intel Core i9-12900K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 66; Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 36; 300% higher cores: 16 vs 4; 200% higher threads: 24 vs 8; 188% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 9,100.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-14100F or Intel Core i9-12900K?

Intel Core i3-14100F launched cheaper at $109, versus $648 for the Intel Core i9-12900K.

Intel Core i3-14100F vs Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel

Intel Core i3-14100F

$109

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i9-12900K

$648

65.8Single-core72.2

36.4Multi-core70.4

38.5Gamingspec-based63.8

5 spec wins — Intel Core i3-14100F14 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 45.7, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+34) and single-core (+6). Intel Core i3-14100F 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 i3-14100F

54% lower Base TDP: 58 W vs 125 W
50% higher Max memory: 192 GB vs 128 GB
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $109 vs $648

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K

Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 66
Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 36
300% higher cores: 16 vs 4
200% higher threads: 24 vs 8
188% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 9,100

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-14100F versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-14100F	Intel Core i9-12900K
Announced	2024	2021
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
Process	10 nm	10 nm
Base TDP	58 W+54%	125 W
Max turbo power	110 W	241 W+119%
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-14100F versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-14100F	Intel Core i9-12900K
Cores	4	16+300%
Performance cores	4	8+100%
Efficiency cores	0	8
Threads	8	24+200%
Base clock	3.5 GHz+9%	3.2 GHz
Boost clock	4.7 GHz	5.2 GHz+11%
L2 cache	5 MB	14 MB+180%
L3 cache	12 MB	30 MB+150%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-14100F versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-14100F	Intel Core i9-12900K
iGPU	—	Intel UHD Graphics 770
iGPU clock	—	1,550 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-14100F versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-14100F	Intel Core i9-12900K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Max memory	192 GB+50%	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-14100F versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-14100F	Intel Core i9-12900K
PCIe version	5	5
CPU PCIe lanes	20	20

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-14100F versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-14100F	Intel Core i9-12900K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,450Top 40%	2,715+11%Top 32%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	8,600Bottom 43%	17,450+103%Top 24%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,830Top 36%	1,903+4%Top 30%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	9,100Bottom 31%	26,229+188%Top 19%
PassMark	14,500Bottom 26%	41,103+183%Top 24%

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