How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-3220 scores 20.2/100 overall; Intel Core i9-12900K scores 69.3/100. Intel Core i3-3220 wins 3 individual spec rows, Intel Core i9-12900K wins 18.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-3220 and the Intel Core i9-12900K?

Intel Core i3-3220 advantages: 56% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 125 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $648. Intel Core i9-12900K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 20; Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 20; 2700% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 1 MB; 1422% higher PassMark: 41,103 vs 2,700; 1280% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 1,900.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-3220 or Intel Core i9-12900K?

Intel Core i3-3220 launched cheaper at $117, versus $648 for the Intel Core i9-12900K.

Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel

Intel Core i3-3220

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i9-12900K

$648

20Single-core72.2

20.4Multi-core70.4

20Gamingspec-based63.8

3 spec wins — Intel Core i3-322018 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 20.2, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+52) and multi-core (+50). Intel Core i3-3220 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 i3-3220

56% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 125 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $648

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K

Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 20
Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 20
2700% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 1 MB
1422% higher PassMark: 41,103 vs 2,700
1280% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 1,900

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i9-12900K
Announced	2012	2021
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1700
Process	22 nm	10 nm+55%
Base TDP	55 W+56%	125 W
Max turbo power	—	241 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i9-12900K
Cores	2	16+700%
Performance cores	2	8+300%
Efficiency cores	0	8
Threads	4	24+500%
Base clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	5.2 GHz+58%
L2 cache	1 MB	14 MB+2700%
L3 cache	3 MB	30 MB+900%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i9-12900K
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel UHD Graphics 770
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	1,550 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i9-12900K
Memory support	DDR3-1600	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Max memory	32 GB	128 GB+300%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i9-12900K
PCIe version	2	5+150%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	20+25%

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i9-12900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i9-12900K
Geekbench 6 (single)	790Bottom 2%	2,715+244%Top 32%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,720Bottom 2%	17,450+915%Top 24%
Cinebench R23 (single)	765Bottom 1%	1,903+149%Top 30%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	1,900Bottom 1%	26,229+1280%Top 19%
PassMark	2,700Bottom 2%	41,103+1422%Top 24%

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