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Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core i3-12100E: Comparison
What is the difference between Core 5 120HL and Core i3-12100E?
On l3 cache the spread is 33%, Core 5 120HL 18 MB against Core i3-12100E 12 MB, so Core 5 120HL takes it. There is a split on p-core base clock as well, 2.6 GHz on the Core 5 120HL versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-12100E. There is a split on tdp as well, 45 W on the Core 5 120HL versus 60 W on the Core i3-12100E. Socket is not the same on both, Socket 1700 on the Core 5 120HL versus LGA 1700 on the Core i3-12100E. They differ on release year too, 2024 on the Core 5 120HL versus 2022 on the Core i3-12100E.
Which should you buy, Core 5 120HL or Core i3-12100E?
The Core 5 120HL suits mainstream laptops and everyday productivity, though it is not built for ultra-thin fanless laptops and maximum battery life. Buy the Core i3-12100E for embedded systems and long-lifecycle industrial PCs, though it is not the pick for laptops and fanless designs. Our rating of the Core 5 120HL (8/10): the Intel Core 5 120HL is a well-rounded performance mobile chip for mainstream laptops balancing power and portability. Our rating of the Core i3-12100E (7.9/10): the Intel Core i3-12100E is an embedded/IoT desktop variant built for long-lifecycle commercial and industrial systems.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, performance cores, integrated graphics, form factor, market segment and smt enabled included, so the decision does not turn on any of those. They match on 1 further specification as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core 5 120HL and Core i3-12100E differ on total cores?
Yes. Total Cores reads 12 on the Core 5 120HL versus 4 on the Core i3-12100E.
Is the Memory Type the same on the Core 5 120HL and Core i3-12100E?
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 120HL
- Desktop
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Raptor Lake
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- Alder Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 2024
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 2022
TDP
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 45 W
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 60 W
iGPU
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Intel Arc Graphics
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- Intel UHD Graphics 730
Market Segment
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Embedded
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- Embedded
Socket
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Socket 1700
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- LGA 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 12Best
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 4
Performance Cores
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 4
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 4
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 8Best
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 0
Total Threads
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 16Best
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 8
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 2.6 GHz
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 3.2 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 5.2 GHz
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 4.2 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 18 MBBest
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 12 MB-33%
Base Power
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 45 W
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- 60 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- DDR5, DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-12100E
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose 120HL if you want the higher L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).
Choose 12100E if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Verdict
Intel Core 5 120HL
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core 5 120HL is a well-rounded performance mobile chip for mainstream laptops balancing power and portability.
Intel Core i3-12100E
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i3-12100E is an embedded/IoT desktop variant built for long-lifecycle commercial and industrial systems.