Core i3-1220P vs Core i5-11600T

Intel

Core i3-1220P

10 Cores12 Thrd28 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-11600T

6 Cores12 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2021
Core family
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Core i3-1220P vs Core i5-11600T Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-1220P vs Core i5-11600T 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 i3-1220P vs Core i5-11600T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-1220P

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +20.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $12 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).
  • Draws 28W instead of 35W, a 7W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-11600T.

Core i5-11600T

2021

Why buy it

  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-1220P.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-1220P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (6,455 vs 8,056).
  • 4.8% HIGHER MSRP
    $262 MSRPvs$250 MSRP
  • 25% higher power demand at 35W vs 28W.
  • Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i3-1220P moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1220P better than Core i5-11600T?
Yes. Core i3-1220P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 20.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 24.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.3% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i3-1220P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 20.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1220P is the stronger fit. You are getting 24.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-1220P is the better buy right now. Core i3-1220P comes in $12 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $262 MSRP, and it still gives you a 20.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 5.2% better value on MSRP (58.0 vs 55.1 PassMark/$), 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 i3-1220P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2021), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1220P vs Core i5-11600T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-1220P

The Core i3-1220P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 14,496 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core i5-11600T

The Core i5-11600T 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 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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: 14,447 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i3-1220P packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-11600T offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i3-1220P has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1220P versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-11600T — a 7.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-1220P (base: 1.5 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i3-1220P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-11600T uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1220P scores 14,496 against the Core i5-11600T's 14,447 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-1220P. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,971 vs 1,856, a 6% lead for the Core i3-1220P that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,056 vs 6,455 (22.1% advantage for the Core i3-1220P). Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i3-1220PCore i5-11600T
Cores / Threads
10 / 12+67%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+7%
4.1 GHz
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
1.7 GHz+13%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+20380%
Process
Intel 7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Alder Lake-P (2022)
Rocket Lake (2021)
PassMark
14,496
14,447
Cinebench R23 Multi
10,921
Geekbench 6 Single
1,971+6%
1,856
Geekbench 6 Multi
8,056+25%
6,455
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1220P uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-11600T uses LGA1200 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-1220P versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600T — the Core i3-1220P supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-11600T supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series (Core i3-1220P) and H470,Z490,B560,Z590 (Core i5-11600T).

FeatureCore i3-1220PCore i5-11600T
Socket
FCBGA1744
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800+50%
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
128 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i5-11600T supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 64EU (Core i3-1220P) and UHD 750 (Core i5-11600T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1220P targets Workstation, Core i5-11600T targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-1220P rivals Ryzen 3 5425U; Core i5-11600T rivals Ryzen 5 5600G.

FeatureCore i3-1220PCore i5-11600T
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 64EU
UHD 750
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1220P was priced at $250, while the Core i5-11600T came in at $262. On launch pricing ($250 vs $262), Core i3-1220P was $12 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1220P delivers 58.0 pts/$ vs 55.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-11600T — making the Core i3-1220P the 5% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-1220PCore i5-11600T
MSRP
$250-5%
$262
Performance per Dollar
58.0+5%
55.1
Release Date
2022
2021

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