Core i3-12100F vs Core i7-10870H
Core i3-12100F
Core i7-10870H
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-12100F
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-10870H
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-12100F | Core i7-10870H |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($90) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($417) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake-H (2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-12100F | Core i7-10870H |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+360%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($90) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($417) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-12100F and Core i7-10870H
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 i7-10870H
The Core i7-10870H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,087 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-12100F packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-10870H offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-10870H has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100F versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-10870H — a 11% clock advantage for the Core i7-10870H (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-12100F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-10870H uses Comet Lake-H (2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12100F scores 13,979 against the Core i7-10870H's 14,087 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-10870H. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | Core i7-10870H |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 8 / 16+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.8 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+50% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Comet Lake-H (2020) |
| PassMark | 13,979 | 14,087 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,594 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,228 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 6,822 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-12100F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-10870H uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i3-12100F) vs 16 (Core i7-10870H) — the Core i3-12100F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i3-12100F) and WM490,HM470,QM480 (Core i7-10870H).
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | Core i7-10870H |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | BGA1440 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-12100F) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-10870H). The Core i7-10870H includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-12100F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-10870H targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-10870H rivals Ryzen 7 4800H.
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | Core i7-10870H |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-12100F launched at $97 MSRP, while the Core i7-10870H debuted at $417.
| Feature | Core i3-12100F | Core i7-10870H |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $97-77% | $417 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $90 | — |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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