AMD Ryzen 5 3600 vs Intel Core i3-12100
The Intel Core i3-12100 is the faster processor, scoring 35/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 34/100 for the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 — roughly 3% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600
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Intel Core i3-12100
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Specs compared
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Intel Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 34/100 | 35/100 |
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost clock | 4.20 GHz | 4.30 GHz |
| TDP | 65 W | 60 W |
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1700 |
| MSRP | $99.00 | $109.00 |
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 vs Intel Core i3-12100: which should you buy?
The Intel Core i3-12100 is the faster processor, scoring 35/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 34/100 for the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 — roughly 3% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy. For your specific games and resolution, run both through our comparison tool, check pairing with the bottleneck calculator, or see where each lands on the tier list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 better than the Intel Core i3-12100?
The Intel Core i3-12100 is faster for gaming, scoring 35/100 versus 34/100 for the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (about 3% faster).
Should I buy the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or the Intel Core i3-12100?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i3-12100. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.
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