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Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i3-12300: Comparison
What is the difference between Core i3-12100F and Core i3-12300?
P-core boost clock is the dividing line, Core i3-12100F 4.3 GHz against Core i3-12300 4.4 GHz. P-core base clock is not the same on both, 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100F versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-12300. There is a split on tdp as well, 58 W on the Core i3-12100F versus 60 W on the Core i3-12300. They differ on integrated graphics too, No on the Core i3-12100F versus Yes on the Core i3-12300. Igpu is not the same on both, None on the Core i3-12100F versus Intel UHD Graphics 730 on the Core i3-12300. There is a split on base power as well, 58 W on the Core i3-12100F versus 60 W on the Core i3-12300.
Who each one is for
Buy the Core i3-12100F for desktop gaming with discrete GPU and value desktop builds, though it is not built for laptops and fanless designs. The Core i3-12300 suits desktop gaming and everyday productivity, though it is the wrong buy for laptops and fanless designs. 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. Our rating of the Core i3-12300 (8.2/10): the Intel Core i3-12300 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.
What Core i3-12100F and Core i3-12300 have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: total cores, performance cores, efficiency cores, total threads and l3 cache are identical here. They match on 8 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Socket the same on the Core i3-12100F and Core i3-12300?
It is. Both are listed at LGA 1700, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Desktop
- Intel Core i3-12300
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i3-12300
- Alder Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 2022
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 2022
TDP
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 58 W
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 60 W
iGPU
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- None
- Intel Core i3-12300
- Intel UHD Graphics 730
Market Segment
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Desktop
- Intel Core i3-12300
- Desktop
Microarchitecture
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i3-12300
- Alder Lake
Socket
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- LGA 1700
- Intel Core i3-12300
- LGA 1700
Process Node
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 7 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 4
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 4
Performance Cores
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 4
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 4
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 0
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 0
Total Threads
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 8
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 8
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- Yes
- Intel Core i3-12300
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 3.3 GHz
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 3.5 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 4.3 GHz
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 4.4 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 12 MB
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 12 MB
Base Power
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 58 W
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 60 W
Max Turbo Power
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- 89 W
- Intel Core i3-12300
- 89 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i3-12300
- DDR5, DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core i3-12100F
- No
- Intel Core i3-12300
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose 12100F if you want the higher L3 cache (12 MB vs 12 MB).
Choose 12300 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i3-12300 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
Intel Core i3-12300
8.2 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i3-12300 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.