Core i3-12100F vs Core i3-13100

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-12100F vs Core i3-13100 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-12100F vs Core i3-13100: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-12100F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $37 less on MSRP ($97 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Delivers 37.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 144.1 vs 105.0 PassMark/$ ($97 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Draws 58W instead of 60W, a 2W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,979 vs 14,064).

Core i3-13100

2023

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-12100F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 105.0 vs 144.1 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $97 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-12100F better than Core i3-13100?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-12100F is ahead with a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-13100 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-13100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-12100F is the better buy right now. Core i3-12100F comes in $37 cheaper on MSRP at $97 MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-13100 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 37.3% better value on MSRP (144.1 vs 105.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-13100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-12100F vs Core i3-13100 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-12100F

The Core i3-12100F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 58 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 13,979 points. Launch price was $97.

Core i3-13100

The Core i3-13100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 14,064 points. Launch price was $134.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-12100F and Core i3-13100 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100F versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i3-13100 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-13100 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-12100F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i3-13100 uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12100F scores 13,979 against the Core i3-13100's 14,064 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-13100. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Core i3-13100
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	4.5 GHz+5%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	13,979	14,064

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Core i3-13100
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-12100F was priced at $97, while the Core i3-13100 came in at $134. On launch pricing ($97 vs $134), Core i3-12100F was $37 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100F delivers 144.1 pts/$ vs 105.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-13100 — making the Core i3-12100F the 31.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Core i3-13100
MSRP	$97-28%	$134
Performance per Dollar	144.1+37%	105.0
Release Date	2022	2023

Search Core i3-12100F on Amazon

Search Core i3-13100 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.