Intel

Intel Core i3-12100F

Expert rating8.1 / 10

Brand:: Intel
Form Factor:: Desktop
CPU Socket:: LGA 1700
Core/Thread Count:: 4C/8T
TDP:: 65W
iGPU:: None
CPU Series:: Core i3

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-10-10

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Intel Core i3-12100F Review

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

The Intel Core i3-12100F is a desktop processor without integrated graphics for builds already using a discrete GPU. 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 None graphics, all within a 65W envelope.

Performance and Architecture

With 4 cores and 8 threads, the Intel Core i3-12100F is built on Intel's Alder Lake generation. Its 3.3GHz base clock boosts up to 5.6GHz, and None graphics handle everyday display and light content-creation tasks.

Measured results

Cinebench scores

Cinebench R23, Multi-Core Median of 2 independently published results.	8,320 8,196 to 8,443
Cinebench R23, Single-Core Median of 2 independently published results.	1,647 1,636 to 1,658

Platform and Efficiency

The Intel Core i3-12100F uses the LGA 1700 platform in a 65W envelope, positioned as a desktop processor without integrated graphics for builds already using a discrete GPU.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Core i3 lineup in this catalog, the Intel Core i3-12100F 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 rating8.1 / 10

The Intel Core i3-12100F is a graphics-less desktop chip, a good value pick for builds already using a discrete GPU.

Best for

Desktop gaming with discrete GPU
Value desktop builds
Everyday productivity

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	58 W
Max Turbo Power	89 W

Memory

Memory Type	DDR5, DDR4

Graphics and AI

Integrated Graphics	No

Form Factor	Desktop
TDP	58 W
iGPU	None

FAQs

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

The Intel Core i3-12100F has 4 cores and 8 threads, a 3.3 GHz base and 4.3 GHz boost clock, 12 MB of L3 cache and a 58 W TDP. It has no integrated graphics, so it needs a graphics card. Socket: LGA 1700.

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

The Intel Core i3-12100F 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 i3-12100F best suited to?

Best suited to: Desktop gaming with discrete GPU; Value desktop builds; Everyday productivity.

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

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