How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i5-12400F scores 47.3/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-12400F wins 15.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i5-12400F?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 44% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz; Lower launch price: $117 vs $167. Intel Core i5-12400F advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 56 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 42 vs 24; Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 22; 650% higher L2 cache: 8 MB vs 1 MB; 223% higher PassMark: 19,700 vs 6,100.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i5-12400F?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $167 for the Intel Core i5-12400F.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i5-12400F

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-12400F

$167

26.3Single-core56.4

23.7Multi-core41.7

21.9Gaming46.5

1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810015 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12400F

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-12400F wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.3 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+30) and gaming (+25). Intel Core i3-8100 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 i3-8100

44% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz
Lower launch price: $117 vs $167

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12400F

Stronger Single-core score: 56 vs 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 42 vs 24
Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 22
650% higher L2 cache: 8 MB vs 1 MB
223% higher PassMark: 19,700 vs 6,100

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12400F
Announced	2017	2022
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1700
Process	14 nm	10 nm+29%
Base TDP	65 W	65 W
Max turbo power	—	117 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12400F
Cores	4	6+50%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	12+200%
Base clock	3.6 GHz+44%	2.5 GHz
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	4.4 GHz+22%
L2 cache	1 MB	8 MB+650%
L3 cache	6 MB	18 MB+200%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12400F
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	—

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12400F
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Max memory	64 GB	128 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12400F
PCIe version	3	5+67%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	20+25%

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12400F
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Top 83%	2,100+75%Top 32%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Top 90%	9,400+181%Top 43%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,690Top 33%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Top 92%	11,900+213%Top 47%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	19,700+223%Top 49%

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