Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

Expert rating8.2 / 10

Brand:: Intel
Form Factor:: Desktop
CPU Socket:: LGA 1700
Core/Thread Count:: 4C/8T
TDP:: 60W
iGPU:: Intel UHD Graphics 730
CPU Series:: Core i3

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-12

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Intel Core i3-12100 Review

Intel Core i3-12100 4-core 8-thread desktop processor, 3.3GHz base / 5.6GHz boost, 65W TDP, Alder Lake, LGA 1700 socket

The Intel Core i3-12100 is a mainstream desktop processor for everyday productivity and gaming builds. Built on Intel's Alder Lake architecture, it pairs 4 cores and 8 threads with a 3.3GHz base clock that boosts up to 5.6GHz and Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics, all within a 65W envelope.

Performance and Architecture

With 4 cores and 8 threads, the Intel Core i3-12100 is built on Intel's Alder Lake generation. Its 3.3GHz base clock boosts up to 5.6GHz, and Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics handle everyday display and light content-creation tasks.

Platform and Efficiency

The Intel Core i3-12100 uses the LGA 1700 platform in a 65W envelope, positioned as a mainstream desktop processor for everyday productivity and gaming builds.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Core i3 lineup in this catalog, the Intel Core i3-12100 sits among other Alder Lake parts at the 4-core tier, differentiated mainly by suffix, clock speed, and TDP. Against AMD's Ryzen processors in this catalog at a similar tier, Intel's Core i3 competes on single-thread performance and platform pricing, while against Intel's own Core Ultra parts in this catalog it lacks the on-die NPU but often costs less.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating8.2 / 10

The Intel Core i3-12100 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.

Best for

Desktop gaming
Everyday productivity
Mainstream desktop builds

Not for

Laptops
Fanless designs
Extreme power efficiency needs

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Codename	Alder Lake
Release Year	2022

Segment and platform

Market Segment	Desktop
Microarchitecture	Alder Lake
Socket	LGA 1700
Process Node	7 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores	4
Performance Cores	4
Efficiency Cores	0
Total Threads	8
SMT Enabled	Yes

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock	3.3 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock	4.3 GHz

Cache

L3 Cache	12 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power	60 W
Max Turbo Power	89 W

Memory

Memory Type	DDR5, DDR4

Graphics and AI

Integrated Graphics	Yes

Form Factor	Desktop
TDP	60 W
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Intel Core i3-12100?

The Intel Core i3-12100 has 4 cores and 8 threads, a 3.3 GHz base and 4.3 GHz boost clock, 12 MB of L3 cache and a 60 W TDP. Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 730. Socket: LGA 1700.

Will the Intel Core i3-12100 work with my current setup?

The Intel Core i3-12100 lists Socket is LGA 1700. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the Intel Core i3-12100 best suited to?

Best suited to: Desktop gaming; Everyday productivity; Mainstream desktop builds.

What are the drawbacks of the Intel Core i3-12100?

Not the best fit for: Laptops; Fanless designs; Extreme power efficiency needs.