Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i3-12300

The Intel Core i3-12300 is the faster processor, scoring 36/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 35/100 for the Intel Core i3-12100 — roughly 3% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

35
Gaming score / 100
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Winner

Intel Core i3-12300

36
Gaming score / 100
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Specs compared

SpecIntel Core i3-12100Intel Core i3-12300
Gaming score35/10036/100
Cores / Threads4 / 84 / 8
Boost clock4.30 GHz4.40 GHz
TDP60 W60 W
SocketLGA1700LGA1700
MSRP$109.00$129.00

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i3-12300: which should you buy?

The Intel Core i3-12300 is the faster processor, scoring 36/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 35/100 for the Intel Core i3-12100 — 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 Intel Core i3-12100 better than the Intel Core i3-12300?
The Intel Core i3-12300 is faster for gaming, scoring 36/100 versus 35/100 for the Intel Core i3-12100 (about 3% faster).

Should I buy the Intel Core i3-12100 or the Intel Core i3-12300?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i3-12300. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Core i3-12100 can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.

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