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Intel Core 5 120 vs Intel Core i3-12100: Comparison
Core 5 120 vs Core i3-12100: the l3 cache difference
L3 cache is where these two genuinely part company, Core 5 120 18 MB against Core i3-12100 12 MB, a 33% lead for Core 5 120. They differ on p-core base clock too, 2.5 GHz on the Core 5 120 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100. They differ on tdp too, 65 W on the Core 5 120 versus 60 W on the Core i3-12100. Socket is not the same on both, Socket 1700 on the Core 5 120 versus LGA 1700 on the Core i3-12100. There is a split on release year as well, 2025 on the Core 5 120 versus 2022 on the Core i3-12100.
Which should you buy, Core 5 120 or Core i3-12100?
The Core 5 120 is the one to take for desktop gaming and everyday productivity, though it is not the pick for laptops and fanless designs. Buy the Core i3-12100 for desktop gaming and everyday productivity, though it is not built for laptops and fanless designs. Our rating of the Core 5 120 (8/10): the Intel Core 5 120 is a mainstream desktop processor under Intel's rebranded Core lineup, a solid all-rounder for everyday use. Our rating of the Core i3-12100 (8.2/10): the Intel Core i3-12100 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.
What Core 5 120 and Core i3-12100 have in common
Everything else lines up. Efficiency cores, integrated graphics, form factor, market segment and smt enabled read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 1 further specification as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core 5 120 and Core i3-12100 differ on total cores?
Yes. Total Cores reads 6 on the Core 5 120 versus 4 on the Core i3-12100.
Is the Memory Type the same on the Core 5 120 and Core i3-12100?
It is. Both are listed at DDR5, DDR4, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core 5 120
- Desktop
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core 5 120
- Raptor Lake
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Alder Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core 5 120
- 2025
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 2022
TDP
- Intel Core 5 120
- 65 W
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 60 W
iGPU
- Intel Core 5 120
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Intel UHD Graphics 730
Market Segment
- Intel Core 5 120
- Desktop
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Desktop
Socket
- Intel Core 5 120
- Socket 1700
- Intel Core i3-12100
- LGA 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core 5 120
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core 5 120
- 6Best
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 4
Performance Cores
- Intel Core 5 120
- 6Best
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 4
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core 5 120
- 0
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 0
Total Threads
- Intel Core 5 120
- 12Best
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 8
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core 5 120
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core 5 120
- 2.5 GHz
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 3.3 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core 5 120
- 5.0 GHz
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 4.3 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core 5 120
- 18 MBBest
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 12 MB-33%
Base Power
- Intel Core 5 120
- 65 W
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 60 W
Max Turbo Power
- Intel Core 5 120
- 110 W
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 89 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core 5 120
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i3-12100
- DDR5, DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core 5 120
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose Intel Core 5 120 if you want the higher L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).
Choose Intel Core i3-12100 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Intel Core 5 120 | Intel Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core 5 120 is a mainstream desktop processor under Intel's rebranded Core lineup, a solid all-rounder for everyday use.
Intel Core i3-12100
8.2 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i3-12100 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.