How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i5-12600KF scores 56.6/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-12600KF wins 18.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i5-12600KF?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $264. Intel Core i5-12600KF advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 67 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 52 vs 24; Stronger gaming score: 52 vs 22; 850% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 1 MB; 355% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 17,300 vs 3,800.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i5-12600KF?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $264 for the Intel Core i5-12600KF.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i5-12600KF

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-12600KF

$264

26.3Single-core66.5

23.7Multi-core52.4

21.9Gaming52.1

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810018 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600KF

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-12600KF wins this desktop processor face-off, 56.6 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+40) and gaming (+30). 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

48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $264

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12600KF

Stronger Single-core score: 67 vs 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 52 vs 24
Stronger gaming score: 52 vs 22
850% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 1 MB
355% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 17,300 vs 3,800

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
Announced	2017	2021
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1700
Process	14 nm	10 nm+29%
Base TDP	65 W+48%	125 W
Max turbo power	—	150 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
Cores	4	10+150%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	4
Threads	4	16+300%
Base clock	3.6 GHz	3.7 GHz+3%
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	4.9 GHz+36%
L2 cache	1 MB	10 MB+850%
L3 cache	6 MB	20 MB+233%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	—

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
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 i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
PCIe version	3	5+67%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	20+25%

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-12600KF
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-12600KF
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Top 83%	2,400+100%Top 28%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Top 90%	12,500+273%Top 29%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,900Top 21%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Top 92%	17,300+355%Top 28%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	27,300+348%Top 33%

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