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Overview

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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-12100T

#165

Core i5-2450P

MSRP: $177|Avg: $30

103%

#166

Core i3-6100

MSRP: $125|Avg: $30

103%

#167

Core i7-6850K

MSRP: $617|Avg: $80

102%

#168

Core i5-3570K

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

102%

#169

Ryzen 9 5900XT

MSRP: $349|Avg: $311

102%

#170

Athlon II X4 631

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

102%

#171

Core i7-4770

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

102%

#172

Core i5-12500

MSRP: $212|Avg: $140

102%

#173

Core i5-3570

MSRP: $194|Avg: $35

102%

#174

A4 PRO-7350B

MSRP: $50|Avg: $11

101%

#175

Core i5-14600K

MSRP: $329|Avg: $275

101%

#176

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

101%

#177

Ryzen 7 7700

MSRP: $329|Avg: $246

101%

#178

Core i5-13400F

MSRP: $196|Avg: $180

100%

#179

Core i3-2125

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

100%

#180

Core i3-12100T

MSRP: $125|Avg: $90

100%

#181

Core i7-11700F

MSRP: $298|Avg: $150

100%

#182

Core i7-980

MSRP: $583|Avg: $50

99%

#183

Athlon X4 850

MSRP: $77|Avg: $20

99%

#184

Core i3-10105F

MSRP: $97|Avg: $65

99%

#185

Core i5-9400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $60

98%

#186

Core i7-12700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $250

98%

#187

Core i5-6500T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $35

98%

#188

Ryzen 7 1800X

MSRP: $499|Avg: $120

98%

#189

Core i5-12490F

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

98%

#190

FX-4170

MSRP: $157|Avg: $23

98%

#191

Ryzen 5 1500X

MSRP: $189|Avg: $67

98%

#192

Ryzen 5 5600GT

MSRP: $140|Avg: $150

98%

#193

Core i3-2102

MSRP: $117|Avg: $15

97%

#194

Ryzen 5 PRO 5655G

MSRP: $146|Avg: $146

97%

#195

Athlon II X4 620

MSRP: $99|Avg: $15

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-12100T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-12100T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-12100T 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 4.1 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 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 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 12,491, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,102.

Specification	Core i3-12100T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.2 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	80K (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	12,491
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	2,102

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-12100T 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 DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 730 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-12100T
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	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	UHD Graphics 730
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-12100T is primarily designed for Low Power Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 3 5300GE.

Specification	Core i3-12100T
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Low Power Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Ryzen 3 5300GE

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-12100T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i3-12100T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $90 (MSRP: $125), the Core i3-12100T delivers 139 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1168 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-12100T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$125
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$90
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$149
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1168
Release DateLaunch date	Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago)
Release Year	2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel