Ryzen 5 1600 vs Core i3-12100
Ryzen 5 1600
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. The Ryzen 5 1600 is positioned at rank #378 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Ryzen 5 1600
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-12100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 5 1600 | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($144) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 5 1600 | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+24%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($144) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 Ryzen 5 1600 and Core i3-12100
Ryzen 5 1600
The Ryzen 5 1600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 April 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 12,261 points. Launch price was $219.
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 Ryzen 5 1600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i3-12100 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Ryzen 5 1600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 1600 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100 — a 17.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-12100 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Ryzen 5 1600 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-12100 uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 5 1600 scores 12,261 against the Core i3-12100's 12,315 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-12100. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 1600 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-12100.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 1600 | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.3 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.3 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total)+33% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 12,261 | 12,315 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,157 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 5 1600 uses the AM4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-12100 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Ryzen 5 1600 versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-12100 — the Core i3-12100 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-12100 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 5 1600) vs 20 (Core i3-12100) — the Ryzen 5 1600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD 300 series,AMD 400 series (Ryzen 5 1600) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i3-12100).
| Feature | Ryzen 5 1600 | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+20% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen 5 1600) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-12100). The Core i3-12100 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 730), while the Ryzen 5 1600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-12100 targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-12100 rivals Ryzen 5 5500.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 1600 | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 730 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Budget Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 5 1600 launched at $219 MSRP, while the Core i3-12100 debuted at $122. At current prices ($144 vs $180), the Ryzen 5 1600 is $36 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 5 1600 delivers 85.1 pts/$ vs 68.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-12100 — making the Ryzen 5 1600 the 21.8% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 5 1600 | Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $219 | $122-44% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $144-20% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 85.1+24% | 68.4 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2022 |
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