Core i3-12100

Core i3-12100 Specifications

The Core i3-12100 is built on the Alder Lake architecture and manufactured using the 10 nm process. It is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket and supports DDR4 / DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 4800 MT/s. This processor features 4 performance cores operating at a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz , and includes 8 threads. It also comes equipped with 5 MB of L2 cache and 12 MB of L3 cache.

This CPU has a low base TDP of 65 W and a maximum TDP of 89 W. Stock CPU coolers are generally adequate as long as overclocking is not applied. It is a good fit for compact systems where heat dissipation is a concern.

For users who require integrated graphics, this CPU includes the UHD Graphics 730, which features 24 GPU cores. It operates at a base clock of 0.30 GHz and boosts up to 1.40 GHz. This makes it suitable for systems without a dedicated GPU, capable of handling everyday tasks and running older or less demanding games. Integrated graphics can also accelerate specific workloads even when a discrete GPU is installed.

Core i3-12100 Application Performance and Gaming Benchmark Analysis

Core i3-12100 is a budget CPU, achieving a relative application performance score of 22.32% of the best possible desktop CPU performance. It is suitable for light multitasking such as web browsing, coding, and media consumption. Putting heavy workloads on these CPUs can lead to system freezes or unresponsive behavior over prolonged periods.

Core i3-12100 delivers a balanced application performance-per-price ratio of 48.3%. It provides good value for users looking for a practical balance between cost and performance.

Core i3-12100 is a budget gaming CPU, achieving a relative gaming performance score at 1080p resolution of 53.59% of the best possible desktop CPU gaming performance. It is best suited for use with entry-level graphics cards, where CPU limitations have a reduced impact on overall system performance.

The gaming performance-per-price ratio of Core i3-12100 is 64.0%. This places it in the mid-value category, making it suitable for average gaming builds aiming to strike a good balance between performance and cost.