Core i7-12700K vs Core i3-12100
Core i7-12700K
Core i3-12100
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 i7-12700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-12100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($180) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+76%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($180) |
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 i7-12700K and Core i3-12100
Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Core i3-12100
The Core i3-12100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 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): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 12,315 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i3-12100 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100 — a 15.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i3-12100 uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Core i3-12100's 12,315 — a 94.4% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-12100.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+200% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+16% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+9% | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+108% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 34,347+179% | 12,315 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,157 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-12100 — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i3-12100).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-12100). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and UHD Graphics 730 (Core i3-12100) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-12100 targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Core i3-12100 rivals Ryzen 5 5500.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | UHD Graphics 730 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Budget Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core i3-12100 debuted at $122. At current prices ($285 vs $180), the Core i3-12100 is $105 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 68.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-12100 — making the Core i7-12700K the 55.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $122-70% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $180-37% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+76% | 68.4 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-12700K and Core i3-12100
