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Intel Core 5 120HL vs Intel Core i3-12100F: Comparison
What is the difference between Core 5 120HL and Core i3-12100F?
Start with l3 cache, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Core 5 120HL 18 MB against Core i3-12100F 12 MB, 33% in favour of Core 5 120HL. There is a split on p-core base clock as well, 2.6 GHz on the Core 5 120HL versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100F. They differ on tdp too, 45 W on the Core 5 120HL versus 58 W on the Core i3-12100F. Integrated graphics is not the same on both, Yes on the Core 5 120HL versus No on the Core i3-12100F. There is a split on socket as well, Socket 1700 on the Core 5 120HL versus LGA 1700 on the Core i3-12100F.
Who each one is for
The Core 5 120HL is the one to take for mainstream laptops and everyday productivity, though it is not the pick for ultra-thin fanless laptops and maximum battery life. The Core i3-12100F suits desktop gaming with discrete GPU and value desktop builds, though it is not built 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 i3-12100F (8.1/10): the Intel Core i3-12100F is a graphics-less desktop chip, a good value pick for builds already using a discrete GPU.
What Core 5 120HL and Core i3-12100F have in common
Everything else lines up. Performance cores, form factor, smt enabled and memory type read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core 5 120HL and Core i3-12100F differ on total cores?
Yes. Total Cores reads 12 on the Core 5 120HL versus 4 on the Core i3-12100F.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Desktop
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Raptor Lake
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Alder Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 2024
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 2022
TDP
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 45 W
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 58 W
iGPU
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Intel Arc Graphics
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- None
Market Segment
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Embedded
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Desktop
Socket
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Socket 1700
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- LGA 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 12Best
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 4
Performance Cores
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 4
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 4
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 8Best
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 0
Total Threads
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 16Best
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 8
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 2.6 GHz
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 3.3 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 5.2 GHz
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 4.3 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 18 MBBest
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 12 MB-33%
Base Power
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 45 W
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 58 W
Max Turbo Power
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- 95 W
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 89 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- DDR5, DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core 5 120HL
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- No
Which one should you pick?
Choose 120HL if you want the higher L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).
Choose 12100F if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Intel Core 5 120HL | Intel Core i3-12100F |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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 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 i3-12100F
8.1 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i3-12100F is a graphics-less desktop chip, a good value pick for builds already using a discrete GPU.