Intel Core i3-12100
Intel Core i9-12900
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Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i9-12900. Specifications, performance, tests

Overall score
star star star star star
Released
Q1/2022
Intel Core i3-12100
Intel Core i3-12100
Released
Q1/2022
Overall score
star star star star star
Intel Core i9-12900
Intel Core i9-12900

Compare Intel Core i3-12100 VS Intel Core i9-12900. Which processor delivers superior performance?

In this detailed comparison, we evaluate the specifications and benchmarks of both processors to determine the best choice for your needs. We analyze their core counts, maximum frequencies, and power consumption.

Intel Core i3-12100 boasts a maximum frequency of 3.30 GHz GHz. 4 / 8 cores that enhance multitasking capabilities.With a power consumption of 60 W W, it ensures efficient performance.Released in Q1/2022, it incorporates the latest technology for optimal efficiency.

Intel Core i9-12900 features a maximum frequency of 2.40 GHz GHz. 16 / 24 cores designed for high-performance tasks.Its power consumption is 65 W W, providing a balance of power and efficiency.Launched in Q1/2022, it is built to handle demanding applications.

Differences

  • Place in the overall ranking

    (based on several benchmarks)

    303 left arrow score
  • Higher clock speed

    Around 27% better clock speed

    3.30 GHz left arrow 2.40 GHz
  • Performance per watt

    times less performance per watt

    60 W left arrow 65 W

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i3-12100 CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)
    73 place
  • Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
    202 place
  • Cinebench R20 (Single-Core)
    58 place
  • Cinebench R20 (Multi-Core)
    210 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
    45 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)
    256 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    136 place
  • iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
    602 place
  • Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
    176 place
  • Place in the overall ranking

    (based on several benchmarks)

    53 left arrow score
  • More number of cores

    About 4 times more cores

    16 left arrow 4
  • Higher turbo clock speed

    Around 16 % better overclocked clock speed

    5.10 GHz left arrow 4.30 GHz

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i9-12900 CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)
    22 place
  • Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
    36 place
  • Cinebench R20 (Single-Core)
    27 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
    23 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    41 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    83 place
  • iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
    418 place
  • Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark
    70 place
  • Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
    34 place

Specifications

Technical data
Intel Core i3-12100 Intel Core i3-12100
Intel Core i9-12900 Intel Core i9-12900
CPU family and group

Comprehensive background on the processors being compared, detailing their series, generation, and targeted market segment.

  • Family
    Intel Core i3 left arrow Intel Core i9
  • CPU group
    Intel Core i 12000 left arrow Intel Core i 12000
  • Segment
    Desktop / Server left arrow Desktop / Server
  • Generation
    12 left arrow 12
  • Predecessor
    Intel Core i3-11100 left arrow Intel Core i9-11900
CPU Technical specs

Essential parameters including the number of cores, threads, base and turbo frequencies, and cache size. These metrics provide insight into the processor’s speed—higher values generally indicate better performance.

  • CPU Cores / Threads
    4 / 8 left arrow 16 / 24
  • Core architecture
    normal left arrow hybrid (big.LITTLE)
  • A-Core
    4x Golden Cove left arrow 8x Golden Cove
  • B-Core
    -- left arrow 8x Gracemont
  • Frequency
    3.30 GHz left arrow 2.40 GHz
  • Turbo (1 Core)
    4.30 GHz left arrow 5.10 GHz
  • Hyperthreading
    Yes left arrow Yes
  • Overclocking
    No left arrow No
IGPU

The integrated graphics (iGPU) do not influence the CPU performance significantly; they serve as a substitute for a dedicated graphics card in the absence of one or are utilized in mobile devices.

  • GPU name
    Intel UHD Graphics 730 left arrow Intel UHD Graphics 770
  • GPU frequency
    0.30 GHz left arrow 0.30 GHz
  • GPU (Turbo)
    1.40 GHz left arrow 1.55 GHz
  • Execution units
    24 left arrow 32
  • Shader
    192 left arrow 256
  • Max. GPU Memory
    64 GB left arrow --
  • Max. displays
    3 left arrow 3
  • Generation
    12 left arrow 11
  • Direct X
    12 left arrow 12
  • Technology
    14 nm left arrow 10 nm
  • Release date
    Q1/2021 left arrow Q4/2021
Hardware codec support

This section details the built-in codecs used for encoding and decoding media content, which significantly enhance processing speed and efficiency.

  • h265 / HEVC (8 bit)
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • h265 / HEVC (10 bit)
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • h264
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • VP8
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • VP9
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • AV1
    Decode left arrow Decode
  • AVC
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
  • VC-1
    Decode left arrow Decode
  • JPEG
    Decode / Encode left arrow Decode / Encode
Memory specs & PCI

Overview of the types and quantities of RAM supported by Intel Core i9-12900 and Intel Core i3-12100. The supported memory frequencies may vary depending on the motherboard configuration.

  • Memory type
    DDR4-3200DDR5-4800 left arrow DDR4-3200DDR5-4800
  • Max. Memory
    128 GB left arrow 128 GB
  • Memory channels
    2 left arrow 2
  • ECC
    No left arrow No
  • PCIe
    5.0 x 20 left arrow 5.0 x 20
  • AES-NI
    Yes left arrow Yes
Thermal Management

Analyze the TDP (Thermal Design Power) requirements of Intel Core i3-12100 and Intel Core i9-12900 to make an informed decision on the appropriate cooling system. Remember that TDP refers to thermal watts, not electrical watts.

  • TDP (PL1)
    60 W left arrow 65 W
  • TDP (PL2)
    89 W left arrow 202 W
  • Tjunction max.
    100 °C left arrow 100 °C
Technologies and extensions

Information on architecture, interfaces, and additional instructions supported by Intel Core i3-12100 and Intel Core i9-12900, including virtual machine technologies and fabrication processes.

  • Instruction set (ISA)
    x86-64 (64 bit) left arrow x86-64 (64 bit)
  • ISA extensions
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AVX2+ left arrow SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AVX2+
  • L2-Cache
    5.00 MB left arrow 14.00 MB
  • L3-Cache
    12.00 MB left arrow 30.00 MB
  • Architecture
    Alder Lake S left arrow Alder Lake S
  • Technology
    10 nm left arrow 10 nm
  • Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d left arrow VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d
  • Socket
    LGA 1700 left arrow LGA 1700
  • Release date
    Q1/2022 left arrow Q1/2022

Benchmarks

Performance tests CPUs

By analyzing the results from various benchmarks, you can gain a clearer understanding of the performance differences between Intel Core i3-12100 and Intel Core i9-12900.

Compare the synthetic benchmark scores and make an informed decision on the best processor for your needs!

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
The performance of the iGPU - the internal GPU in games
538
Intel Core i3-12100
794
Intel Core i9-12900

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