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Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i3-13100: Comparison
Core i3-12100 vs Core i3-13100 p-core boost clock compared
P-core boost clock is the dividing line, Core i3-12100 4.3 GHz against Core i3-13100 4.5 GHz. P-core base clock is not the same on both, 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-13100. They differ on release year too, 2022 on the Core i3-12100 versus 2023 on the Core i3-13100. There is a split on microarchitecture as well, Alder Lake on the Core i3-12100 versus Raptor Lake on the Core i3-13100. They differ on max turbo power too, 89 W on the Core i3-12100 versus 110 W on the Core i3-13100.
Which should you buy, Core i3-12100 or Core i3-13100?
The Core i3-12100 is the one to take for desktop gaming and everyday productivity, though it is not built for laptops and fanless designs. The Core i3-13100 suits desktop gaming and everyday productivity, though it is not the pick for laptops and fanless designs. 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. Our rating of the Core i3-13100 (8.2/10): the Intel Core i3-13100 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, total cores, performance cores, efficiency cores, total threads and tdp included, so the decision does not turn on any of those. They match on 9 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Is the L3 Cache the same on the Core i3-12100 and Core i3-13100?
It is. Both are listed at 12 MB, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Desktop
- Intel Core i3-13100
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i3-13100
- Raptor Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 2022
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 2023
TDP
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 60 W
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 60 W
iGPU
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Intel UHD Graphics 730
- Intel Core i3-13100
- Intel UHD Graphics 730
Market Segment
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Desktop
- Intel Core i3-13100
- Desktop
Microarchitecture
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i3-13100
- Raptor Lake
Socket
- Intel Core i3-12100
- LGA 1700
- Intel Core i3-13100
- LGA 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 4
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 4
Performance Cores
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 4
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 4
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 0
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 0
Total Threads
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 8
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 8
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-13100
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 3.3 GHz
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 3.4 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 4.3 GHz
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 4.5 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 12 MB
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 12 MB
Base Power
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 60 W
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 60 W
Max Turbo Power
- Intel Core i3-12100
- 89 W
- Intel Core i3-13100
- 110 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core i3-12100
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i3-13100
- DDR5, DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core i3-12100
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-13100
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose 12100 if you want the higher L3 cache (12 MB vs 12 MB).
Choose 13100 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i3-13100 |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | View on Newegg |
| Amazon | View on 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 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.
Intel Core i3-13100
8.2 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i3-13100 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.