Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i7-12700K
26.3Single-core69.4
23.7Multi-core61.5
21.9Gaming58.1
2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810018 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-12700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 63 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+43) and Multi-core (+38). 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 $409
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-12700K
- Stronger Single-core score: 69 vs 26
- Stronger Multi-core score: 62 vs 24
- Stronger gaming score: 58 vs 22
- 1100% higher L2 cache: 12 MB vs 1 MB
- 489% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 22,400 vs 3,800
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1151-v2 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 190 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 12+200% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 20+400% |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.6 GHz | 5 GHz+39% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 12 MB+1100% |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 25 MB+317% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,500 MHz+36% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,200Top 83% | 2,500+108%Top 25% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,350Top 90% | 14,300+327%Top 23% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,950Top 20% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 3,800Top 92% | 22,400+489%Top 18% |
| PassMark | 6,100Top 90% | 34,500+466%Top 23% |
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