Intel Core i3-12100F
The Core i3-12100F is even more impressive than what we were expecting. Despite only packing four cores, the application performance was excellent, often rivaling that of previous generation 6-core/12-thread processors. Then when it came to gaming it was much more capable than anticipated, often matching higher core count parts while offering substantial performance gains over the previous Core i3 base model.
- As reviewed by TechSpot on Feb 2022
4
Cores
8
Threads
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
4.3 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1700
Socket
58 W
TDP
No iGPU
Graphics
$90
Price
| Release date: | Jan 7, 2022 | Price at Launch: | $117 |
| Cores: | 4 | Threads: | 8 |
| Base Clock: | 3.3 GHz | Boost Clock: | 4.3 GHz |
| Type: | Desktop | Multithreading: | Yes |
| L2 Cache: | 5 MB | L3 Cache: | 12 MB |
| Box Cooler: | Yes | TDP: | 58 W |
| Socket: | Socket LGA 1700 | Memory Support: | DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 |
| Codename: | Alder Lake | Process Size: | Intel 7 (10nm) |
| Integrated Graphics: | No | NPU: | No |
| PCIe Support: | PCIe 5.0, 20 lanes |
Performance Benchmarks
All benchmark data reflects aggregated results from dozens of tests conducted in TechSpot’s labs and compiled from our full library of CPU reviews. Single-core productivity scores are based primarily on Cinebench and Adobe Photoshop workloads. Multi-core results draw from Cinebench, Blender, Corona Benchmark, 7-Zip, Adobe Premiere Pro, and shader compilation tests. CPU gaming benchmarks are all 1080p runs (explainer) as published on TechSpot.
Single-Core Productivity
Multi-Core Productivity
Gaming Performance
Price History
Intel Core i3-12100F pricing
| Price | Date | |
| Current | $90 | Dec 16, 2025 |
| Highest* | $94 | Dec 2, 2025 |
| Lowest* | $65 | Jul 9, 2025 |
| Average | $80 | |
* Prices are based on listings from Newegg and other major retailers over the past 12+ months.
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The Core i3-12100F is even more impressive than what we were expecting. Despite only packing four cores, the application performance was excellent, often rivaling that of previous generation 6-core/12-thread processors. Then when it came to gaming it was much more capable than anticipated, often matching higher core count parts while offering substantial performance gains over the previous Core i3 base model.
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