Intel Core i3-2120 vs Intel Core i5-12600KF
20Single-core66.5
20Multi-core52.4
20Gaming52.1
2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-212017 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600KF
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-12600KF wins this desktop processor face-off, 56.6 to 20, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+47) and Multi-core (+32). Intel Core i3-2120 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 i3-2120
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $138 vs $264
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12600KF
- Stronger Single-core score: 67 vs 20
- Stronger Multi-core score: 52 vs 20
- Stronger gaming score: 52 vs 20
- 1800% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 1 MB
- 1038% higher PassMark: 27,300 vs 2,400
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2011 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 32 nm | 10 nm+69% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 150 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 10+400% |
| Performance cores | 2 | 6+200% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 16+300% |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+12% |
| Boost clock | 3.3 GHz | 4.9 GHz+48% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 10 MB+1800% |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 20 MB+567% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | — |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1333 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 2 | 5+150% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-2120 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 780Top 100% | 2,400+208%Top 28% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 1,600Top 100% | 12,500+681%Top 29% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,900Top 21% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | — | 17,300Top 28% |
| PassMark | 2,400Top 100% | 27,300+1038%Top 33% |
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