Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i5-12600KF
26.3Single-core66.5
23.7Multi-core52.4
21.9Gamingspec-based52.1
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 multi-core (+29). 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
- 850% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 1 MB
- 355% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 17,300 vs 3,800
- 348% higher PassMark: 27,300 vs 6,100
General
| 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
| 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
| Spec | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | — |
Memory
| 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
| Spec | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,200Bottom 15% | 2,400+100%Top 42% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,350Bottom 9% | 12,500+273%Top 42% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,900Top 33% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 3,800Bottom 8% | 17,300+355%Top 34% |
| PassMark | 6,100Bottom 7% | 27,300+348%Top 48% |
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