Core i3-12100F
Intel
PassMark
13,979
MSRP
$97
AVG Price
$90
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.
Overview
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.
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
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i3-12100F across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Path of Exile 2
Rust
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i3-12100F specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i3-12100F is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.3 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 13,979, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Aging generation product.
| Specification | Core i3-12100F |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 8T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4.3 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | Intel 7 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 80 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 163 mm2 |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 13,979 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-12100F fits into the LGA1700 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory at speeds up to DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Core i3-12100F |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1700 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 5.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 20 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 128 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core i3-12100F has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 58 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core i3-12100F |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 58 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $90 (MSRP: $97), the Core i3-12100F delivers 155 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1076 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i3-12100F |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $97 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $90 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $97 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1076 |
| Release DateLaunch date | Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
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Our Recommendation for Core i3-12100F
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