Core i3-12100T vs Core i5-11500T
Core i3-12100T
Core i5-11500T
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 i3-12100T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11500T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-12100T | Core i5-11500T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($90) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-12100T | Core i5-11500T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+31%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($90) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) |
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 i3-12100T and Core i5-11500T
Core i3-12100T
The Core i3-12100T 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 12,491 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i5-11500T
The Core i5-11500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 12,730 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-12100T packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-11500T offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-11500T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-12100T versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-11500T — a 5% clock advantage for the Core i3-12100T (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i3-12100T uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-11500T uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12100T scores 12,491 against the Core i5-11500T's 12,730 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i5-11500T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,102 vs 1,818, a 14.5% lead for the Core i3-12100T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-12100T | Core i5-11500T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+5% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz+47% | 1.5 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) | Rocket Lake (2021) |
| PassMark | 12,491 | 12,730+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,102+16% | 1,818 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 6,306 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-12100T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-11500T uses LGA1200 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-12100T versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11500T — the Core i3-12100T supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i3-12100T) and H510,B560,Z590,Q570 (Core i5-11500T).
| Feature | Core i3-12100T | Core i5-11500T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i5-11500T supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 730 (Core i3-12100T) and UHD Graphics 750 (Core i5-11500T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-12100T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i5-11500T targets Quiet Desktop / SFF. Direct competitor: Core i3-12100T rivals Ryzen 3 5300GE; Core i5-11500T rivals Core i5-10500T.
| Feature | Core i3-12100T | Core i5-11500T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 730 | UHD Graphics 750 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | Quiet Desktop / SFF |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-12100T launched at $125 MSRP, while the Core i5-11500T debuted at $192. At current prices ($90 vs $120), the Core i3-12100T is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100T delivers 138.8 pts/$ vs 106.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-11500T — making the Core i3-12100T the 26.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-12100T | Core i5-11500T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $125-35% | $192 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $90-25% | $120 |
| Performance per Dollar | 138.8+31% | 106.1 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2021 |
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