CPUs / Compare

Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i5-12600KF

A

Product A: Intel

Core i3-12100F

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B

Product B: Intel

Core i5-12600KF

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AIntel Core i3-12100F

BIntel Core i5-12600KF

General

2 of 13 differ

Series

Core 12th Gen1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Product Collection row: 12th Generation Intel Core i3 Processors, stored as Core 12th Gen like the other 12th Gen desktop chips.

Core 12th Gen5Press releaseintc.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1506/intel-unveils-12th-gen-intel-core-launches-worlds-bestRead 15 October 2026Intel's release names the 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors. ARK lists the Product Collection as 12th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors. Stored as Core 12th Gen.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

BX8071512100F, BXC8071512100F, CM80715046510132Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/ordering.htmlRead 15 October 2026Ordering codes: CM8071504651013 (tray, SRL63, H0), BX8071512100F (box, SRL63) and BXC8071512100F (China box, SRL63). All are package FC-LGA16A.

BX8071512600KF, BXC8071512600KF, CM80715045552282Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/ordering.htmlRead 15 October 2026Ordering codes: BX8071512600KF (box, spec code SRL4U), BXC8071512600KF (China box, SRL4U) and CM8071504555228 (tray, SRL4U), all stepping C0, package FC-LGA16A.

GTIN / EAN

73585850442312Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/CPU/ap02hug8y/Intel-Core-i3-12100FRead 15 October 2026Part number BX8071512100F with UPC 735858504423 and EANs 5032037238731 and 5032037238748. Retailer sites list the two EANs for the same part number and disagree on which is right, and both retailer pages returned 403, so only the UPC is stored.

7358584990579Retailer pageshop.acxent.it/intel-core-i5-12600kf-370ghz+d-111551---en.htmlRead 15 October 2026Acxent lists MPN BX8071512600KF with EAN 0735858499057, which is UPC 735858499057. BuildCores lists another UPC, 675901979160, and two more EANs. Those are not stored because only the Intel UPC is confirmed by a shop page that names the box code. The tray and China box versions have no GTIN.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

4 January 20228Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Alder-Lake-S-Codename-277726/News/CES-Intel-Alder-Lake-Core-CPUs-1386605Read 15 October 2026PC Games Hardware, 4 January 2022: Intel introduced 22 new Alder Lake desktop processors at CES 2022, and the Core i3-12100F is among them.

27 October 20215Press releaseintc.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1506/intel-unveils-12th-gen-intel-core-launches-worlds-bestRead 15 October 2026Intel release of 27 October 2021: the 12th Gen Intel Core family and its unlocked desktop processors were introduced that day. The release's SKU table lists the i5-12600KF with no integrated graphics.

Status

Available1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Marketing Status: Launched. The ordering tab shows no discontinuance notice.

Available1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Marketing Status: Launched. Launch Date: Q4'21. Product Collection: 12th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors. The ordering tab shows no discontinuance notice.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

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SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$978Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Alder-Lake-S-Codename-277726/News/CES-Intel-Alder-Lake-Core-CPUs-1386605Read 15 October 2026The article gives 97 US dollars for the Core i3-12100F. Club386's review calls $97 the MSRP and ComputerBase's January 2022 review lists $97 in its spec table. It is Intel's recommended price for a tray processor in US dollars, excluding tax. The article does not call the figure a recommended customer price. Street prices at launch were higher, for example a $109.99 Best Buy listing in a December 2021 leak, and those are not stored.9Reviewclub386.comRead 15 October 2026Club386 review of 14 February 2022: the table and text give a $97 MSRP. The review header gives $99, which is a street price and is not stored.

$2646Press articletechadvisor.com/article/745081/where-to-buy-intel-12th-gen-alder-lake-cpus.htmlRead 15 October 2026Tech Advisor, 12 November 2021, lists the Core i5-12600KF at $264 and the i5-12600K at $289 and says these are Intel's recommended prices in the US. Intel's launch release states unlocked prices start at $264. US dollars, excluding tax.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

Not available

SegmentiThe segment the chip maker sells it in. Intel calls laptop chips Mobile. AMD laptop chips that also list Desktops, for mini PCs, stay laptop.

Desktop1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Vertical Segment: Desktop.

Desktop1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Vertical Segment row reads Desktop.

Instruction setiApple and Qualcomm chips are Arm64. Intel and AMD chips are x86-64.

x86-641Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Instruction Set: 64-bit. Intel's 64-bit processors are x86-64.

x86-641Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Instruction Set: 64-bit, with Intel 64 listed as Yes. Intel's 64-bit processors are x86-64.

CodenameiThe chip maker's codename. Intel: the Code Name row without "Products formerly". AMD: the Former Codename row without the socket.

Alder Lake1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Code Name row reads Products formerly Alder Lake. The ordering tab lists stepping H0.

Alder Lake1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Code Name row reads Products formerly Alder Lake.

CPU process (as published)iVerbatim name of the process the CPU cores are made on, e.g. TSMC N3B or Intel 18A.

Intel 71Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Lithography row: Intel 7.

Intel 71Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Lithography row: Intel 7.

CPU process nodeiThe nm class of the named CPU-core process, as on laptops and desktop PCs: TSMC N3B is 3, Intel 7 is 10, Intel 4 is 7 and Intel 18A is 1.8. The exact name is in CPU process (as published). I/O and graphics dies may use other nodes.

10nm1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Intel 7 is stored as 10 nm, the nm class of Intel 7. Intel prints no nm figure.

10nm1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Intel 7 is stored as 10 nm, the nm class of Intel 7. Intel prints no nm figure.

AVX-512iThe chip maker lists AVX-512 among the supported instruction extensions.

No1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Instruction Set Extensions lists Intel SSE4.1, SSE4.2 and AVX2 only.

No1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Instruction Set Extensions lists Intel SSE4.1, SSE4.2 and AVX2 only.

Cores and clocks

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Core configurationiOne row per core group the chip maker names. Intel names performance, efficient and low-power efficient cores. AMD names Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. Qualcomm names prime and performance cores.

AIntel Core i3-12100F

Core type	Count	Core	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
Performance	4	Golden Cove	3.3	4.3

Source1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Total Cores 4, Performance-cores 4, Efficient-cores 0. Performance-core Base Frequency 3.30 GHz and Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency 4.30 GHz. ARK names no core architecture. The core name Golden Cove comes from Tom's Hardware's $100 CPU shootout, which says the chip has four Golden Cove P-cores and no E-cores.

BIntel Core i5-12600KF

Core type	Count	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
Performance	6	3.7	4.9
Efficiency	4	2.8	3.6

Source1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Total Cores 10. # of Performance-cores 6 with base 3.70 GHz and Performance-core Max Turbo 4.90 GHz. # of Efficient-cores 4 with base 2.80 GHz and Efficient-core Max Turbo 3.60 GHz. ARK names no core architecture, so core_name is left out. The launch release and Intel's product brief give the same clocks.

CoresiPhysical cores, not threads.

4=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

10=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled performanceiCounts only cores the chip maker labels performance. Not available when the maker labels no roles, as on AMD chips. Qualcomm and Apple use other labels for their fastest cores.

4=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

6=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled efficiencyiCounts efficient and low-power efficient cores. Not available when the maker labels no roles.

0=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

4=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

ThreadsiHardware threads, including simultaneous multithreading where the chip has it.

81Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Total Threads 8. Intel Hyper-Threading Technology: Yes.

161Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Total Threads 16. Intel Hyper-Threading Technology is Yes.

Max boost clockiHighest clock the chip maker states for the processor, Intel Max Turbo Frequency or AMD Max. Boost Clock. Often reached on one or two cores only. It can be higher than every core group's max clock.

4.3GHz1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max Turbo Frequency 4.30 GHz, equal to the Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency. Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 is No.

4.9GHz1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max Turbo Frequency 4.90 GHz, the same as the Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency. Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 is No on this chip.

Unlocked for overclockingiThe core multiplier is unlocked, as on Intel K models and AMD chips listed as Unlocked for Overclocking. Memory profiles such as XMP or EXPO alone do not count.

No5Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/processor-numbers.htmlRead 15 October 2026Intel's processor numbers page defines the K suffix as high performance, unlocked and the F suffix as requires discrete graphics. The 12100F has no K.

Yes4Maker spec sheet (PDF)download.intel.com/newsroom/2021/client-computing/12th-gen-processor-product-brief.pdfRead 15 October 2026Comparison table: Processor P-core/E-core/Graphics/Memory Overclocking is Yes for the i5-12600K and i5-12600KF.

Cache

2 of 3 differ

L2 cacheiTotal L2 cache of all cores.

5MB1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Total L2 Cache 5 MB.

9.5MB1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Total L2 Cache 9.5 MB.

L3 cacheiTotal L3 cache, including 3D V-Cache. Intel Smart Cache is L3. L2 is not added. A total cache figure from Qualcomm or Apple is not L3.

12MB1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 202612 MB Intel Smart Cache, which is the L3.

20MB1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 202620 MB Intel Smart Cache.

AMD 3D V-CacheiExtra L3 cache stacked on a compute die. Yes when at least one compute die has it.

No1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026AMD technology. ARK lists only the 12 MB Smart Cache and no stacked cache.

No1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026AMD technology. ARK lists only the 20 MB Smart Cache and no stacked cache.

Power and thermals

2 of 4 differ

Base power (TDP)iIntel Processor Base Power or AMD Default TDP. A rating for cooler and board design, not measured power draw. A Default TDP printed as a range, such as 35-54 W, is not stored.

58W1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Processor Base Power 58 W. Club386 prints 60 W and ComputerBase and Tom's Hardware print 58 W. ARK wins.

125W1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Processor Base Power 125 W.

Max turbo poweriHighest package power limit at stock settings. Intel Maximum Turbo Power, or AMD's package power tracking (PPT) limit. The source note says which. Only a source that names this exact chip counts. A database value applied to a whole class of chips does not.

89W1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Maximum Turbo Power 89 W.

150W1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Maximum Turbo Power 150 W. Intel's launch release table also gives 125 W base and 150 W turbo for the i5-12600K and i5-12600KF.

Configurable power rangeiThe sustained power range a PC or laptop maker may set. AMD cTDP. Intel Minimum and Maximum Assured Power.

Not available

Not available

Max operating temperatureiHighest die temperature the chip maker allows, called Tjmax or Tjunction. The chip lowers its clocks to stay below it.

100°C1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max Operating Temperature 100 C. TJUNCTION 100 C.

100°C1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max Operating Temperature 100 C. TJUNCTION 100 C.

Memory

0 of 6 differ

Memory supportiOfficial memory speeds per memory type, module type and module configuration, as the chip maker states them.

AIntel Core i3-12100F

Memory type	Max speed (MT/s)
DDR5	4,800
DDR4	3,200

Source1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Memory Types: Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s and up to DDR4 3200 MT/s. ARK names no module type, rank or configuration, so those keys are left out.

BIntel Core i5-12600KF

Memory type	Max speed (MT/s)
DDR5	4,800
DDR4	3,200

Source1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Memory Types: Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s and up to DDR4 3200 MT/s. ARK names no module type, rank or configuration, so those keys are left out.

Max memory speed (official)iHighest official speed in the memory support table, for any module type. Four modules or plain UDIMMs can run slower. Intel quotes some chips with CUDIMM speeds only.

4,800MT/s=CalculatedFrom Memory support

4,800MT/s=CalculatedFrom Memory support

Memory channelsiCounted in 64-bit channels, as Intel and AMD count them. A DDR5 module has two 32-bit subchannels and makers count it as one channel. A maker that counts narrower channels and states their width is converted by the total bus width, so Qualcomm's 8 channels of 16 bits are 2. A total bus width alone is divided by 64, so AMD's 256-bit interface is 4. The maker's own count goes in the source note.

21Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max # of Memory Channels: 2.

21Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max # of Memory Channels: 2.

Memory bandwidth (claimed)iPeak memory bandwidth the chip maker states. Not a measurement.

76.8GB/s1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max Memory Bandwidth 76.8 GB/s.

76.8GB/s1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max Memory Bandwidth 76.8 GB/s.

Max memoryiMost memory the chip maker says the processor supports. When the limit depends on the device, as for Apple chips, the highest limit the maker states for this chip in any device. The device goes in the source note. When Intel's documents differ, such as 192 GB in a launch brief and 256 GB on its spec page, the current spec page wins, since newer memory modules can raise the limit.

128GB1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type): 128 GB. ARK has no ECC Memory Supported row, so ECC support is left out.

128GB1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type): 128 GB. ARK has no ECC Memory Supported row, so ECC support is left out.

ECC memory supportiThe chip maker says the processor supports ECC memory. Most need a board that supports it too. DDR5 on-die ECC does not count.

Not available

Not available

Platform

0 of 7 differ

Socket or packageiDesktop socket, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851. Laptop chips are soldered, so this is the package the maker names, e.g. FP8. When the maker names several packages, in the socket row or the product IDs, list them all separated by commas, such as "FP7, FP7r2".

LGA17001Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Sockets Supported: FCLGA1700. Stored without the FC prefix.

LGA17001Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026Sockets Supported: FCLGA1700. Stored without the FC prefix.

Compatible chipsetsiDesktop chipsets the chip maker lists, with the brand and without the word chipset, e.g. AMD X870E, AMD B850 or Intel Z890. Same form as the motherboard chipset.

Intel B760, Intel H770, Intel Z790, Intel W680, Intel Q670, Intel H610, Intel H670, Intel B660, Intel Z6903Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/compatible.htmlRead 15 October 2026Compatible tab lists the Intel B760, H770 and Z790 chipsets (700 Series) and the W680, Q670, H610, H670, B660 and Z690 chipsets (600 Series).

Intel B760, Intel H770, Intel Z790, Intel W680, Intel Q670, Intel H610, Intel H670, Intel B660, Intel Z6903Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/compatible.htmlRead 15 October 2026Compatible tab lists the Intel B760, H770, Z790, W680, Q670, H610, H670, B660 and Z690 chipsets, in the 700 and 600 Series.

CPU PCIe lanesiUsable PCIe lanes from the processor, one row per PCIe generation. Lanes that link the CPU to the chipset are not counted. If the maker gives only a total, a review that lists the split may be used, and the source note names it. When the package also holds the chipset, as on Intel Raptor Lake U and H chips, ARK's total includes the chipset lanes. Those are not counted, so the datasheet split is used. On Intel Core Ultra chips, such as Panther Lake, the platform controller or SoC tile is part of the processor, so its lanes count.

AIntel Core i3-12100F

PCIe generation	Lanes
5	16
4	4

Source1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026PCI Express Revision 5.0 and 4.0, Max # of PCI Express Lanes 20, configurations up to 1x16+4 and 2x8+4. The Gen 5 and Gen 4 split comes from Intel's 12th Gen PCI Express document.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)download.intel.com/newsroom/2021/manufacturing/12th-Gen-Intel-Core-PCIe.pdfRead 15 October 2026Intel's 12th Gen PCI Express document: Alder Lake desktop has up to 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and separate PCIe 4.0 lanes of up to 4 for an SSD. All lanes connect directly to the processor. Together with ARK's 20 lanes and its 5.0 and 4.0 revisions this gives 16 plus 4. The PCH lanes are not counted.

BIntel Core i5-12600KF

PCIe generation	Lanes
5	16
4	4

Source1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026PCI Express Revision 5.0 and 4.0, Max # of PCI Express Lanes 20, configurations up to 1x16+4 and 2x8+4. The Gen 5 and Gen 4 split comes from Intel's product brief.4Maker spec sheet (PDF)download.intel.com/newsroom/2021/client-computing/12th-gen-processor-product-brief.pdfRead 15 October 2026Comparison table: CPU PCIe 5.0 lanes 16 and CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes 4 for the i5-12600K and i5-12600KF. Together they match the 20 lanes on ARK.

CPU PCIe lanes in totaliUsable lanes from the processor. Lanes to the chipset are not counted.

20=CalculatedFrom CPU PCIe lanes

20=CalculatedFrom CPU PCIe lanes

Highest PCIe generationiHighest PCIe generation of the processor's own lanes. Chipset lanes are not counted.

5=CalculatedFrom CPU PCIe lanes

5=CalculatedFrom CPU PCIe lanes

Native USB portsiUSB ports the processor itself provides, as the chip maker lists them. The board or laptop decides which ones reach a connector. Chipset ports are not counted. eUSB2 is the embedded USB 2.0 link that Qualcomm lists. It needs a repeater on the board to become a USB 2.0 port.

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Native USB4 or ThunderboltiThe processor itself provides USB4 or Thunderbolt. The board or laptop must still wire it to a port.

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Integrated graphics

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Integrated graphicsiNo for chips that need a graphics card, such as Intel F models.

No1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026ARK has no processor graphics rows for the 12100F. Intel's processor numbers page says the F suffix requires discrete graphics. The box reads Discrete Graphics Required.

No4Maker spec sheet (PDF)download.intel.com/newsroom/2021/client-computing/12th-gen-processor-product-brief.pdfRead 15 October 2026Footnote 4 of the comparison table: processor names with an F suffix do not have processor graphics and require a discrete graphics solution. The i5-12600KF is in the same column as the i5-12600K and its ARK page has no graphics rows. The box reads Discrete Graphics Required.

Integrated GPUiAs the chip maker names it.

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GPU coresiAs the chip maker counts them: AMD compute units, Intel Xe-cores, Apple GPU cores. Counts from different makers are not comparable. Intel execution units (EUs) are not Xe-cores and are not stored here. Apple sells some chips with two GPU core counts under one name, so it is per variant.

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Max GPU clockiIntel Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency or AMD Graphics Frequency.

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Max displaysiDisplays the integrated GPU drives at the same time. The chip maker's total. Intel counts a built-in laptop panel in it. A count of external displays only, as Qualcomm gives, is left out and goes in the source note.

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DisplayPort versioniHighest DisplayPort version the integrated GPU outputs, with the UHBR rate when stated.

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HDMI versioniHighest HDMI version the integrated GPU outputs, as published.

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Hardware video encodeiCodecs the chip maker states the integrated GPU encodes in hardware.

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Hardware video decodeiCodecs the chip maker states the integrated GPU decodes in hardware.

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NPU

None of 2 known

NPU performanceiNPU only, as the chip maker states it. CPU and GPU AI throughput are not included. Precision, usually INT8, belongs in the source note.

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Total AI performanceiThe chip maker's combined AI figure for CPU, GPU and NPU together, e.g. Intel Overall Peak TOPS or AMD Overall TOPS.

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Measured performance

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Cinebench 2024 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

100.2points13Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/100-budget-cpu-shootout-ddr4Read 15 October 2026Tom's Hardware, $100 CPU Shootout of 23 May 2026. Cinebench 2024 single-core chart, bar Core i3-12100F - DDR4: 100.2 CB marks. Test system: MSI MPG Z690 Edge Wi-Fi DDR4, 4x8 GB G.Skill Trident Z DDR4-3200 with XMP or DOCP, Corsair iCue Link H150i RGB 360 mm AIO, Windows 11 Pro, open bench, VBS off, Resizable BAR on, automatic boosting features off. The shootout lists the chip as a $90 part. Application tests use an RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition as display output. The values were read from the chart image.

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Cinebench 2024 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

476points13Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/100-budget-cpu-shootout-ddr4Read 15 October 2026Cinebench 2024 multi-core chart, bar Core i3-12100F - DDR4: 476 CB marks. Same test system.

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Cinebench 2026 single-threadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. The CPU (Single Thread) test, not the CPU (Single Core) test with the core's second thread. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

408points13Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/100-budget-cpu-shootout-ddr4Read 15 October 2026Cinebench 2026 chart titled Single-Core, bar Core i3-12100F - DDR4: 408 points. Tom's does not say whether it is the Single Thread or Single Core test. The chip has Hyper-Threading. It is stored as single-thread like the other cpu products. Same test system.

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Cinebench 2026 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. The CPU (Multiple Threads) test. Not comparable with Cinebench 2024. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

2,002points13Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/100-budget-cpu-shootout-ddr4Read 15 October 2026Cinebench 2026 chart titled Multi-Core, bar Core i3-12100F - DDR4: 2,002 points. Same test system.

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Geekbench 6 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 7 has another scale and is not stored here. Intel Binary Optimization on or off goes in the source note. Store results with it off. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

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Geekbench 6 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 7 has another scale and is not stored here. Intel Binary Optimization on or off goes in the source note. Store results with it off. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

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Game frame ratesiReviewer game results with this processor and the named graphics card, at native resolution with no upscaling and ray tracing off unless the source note says otherwise. Intel Binary Optimization or APO on or off goes in the source note. Store only results with it off. Compare only results from the same reviewer. A 99th percentile frame rate, as Tom's Hardware prints it, is stored as the 1 % low.

AIntel Core i3-12100F

Game	Graphics card	Width (px)	Height (px)	Preset	Average FPS	1 % low FPS
Baldur's Gate 3	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	76.2	53
Borderlands 4	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Very High	66.7	48
Crimson Desert	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	86.2	57
Counter-Strike 2	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	292.8	140
Cyberpunk 2077	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	65.8	46
DOOM: The Dark Ages	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	100.9	63
F1 2024	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	111.8	78
Far Cry 6	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	115.1	85
Final Fantasy XIV	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	97.3	64
Flight Simulator 2024	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	77.1	65
Hitman 3	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	149.5	121
Marvel Rivals	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	92.9	63
Spider-Man 2	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Very High	118.9	95
Starfield	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition	1920	1080	Ultra	65	52

Source13Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/100-budget-cpu-shootout-ddr4Read 15 October 2026Per-game charts at 1920x1080 with average and 1 percent low bars, bar Core i3-12100F (RTX 5090, DDR4). Presets are those in the chart subtitles: Very High for Borderlands 4 and Spider-Man 2, Ultra for the rest. The Flight Simulator chart is titled Flight Simulator 24. Tom's text says DOOM: The Dark Ages has always-on ray tracing. Upscaling is not stated. The chip has no APO or iBOT support. The article also tests the chip with an Asus Dual RTX 4060 8GB, which is not stored. Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Founder's Edition. Test system: MSI MPG Z690 Edge Wi-Fi DDR4, 4x8 GB G.Skill Trident Z DDR4-3200 with XMP or DOCP, Corsair iCue Link H150i RGB 360 mm AIO, Windows 11 Pro, open bench, VBS off, Resizable BAR on, automatic boosting features off. This is a separate DDR4 test run, with other games than Tom's DDR5 pool for some other cpu products.

BIntel Core i5-12600KF

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Measured power and temperature

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CPU power in multi-thread load (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. CPU package power in a sustained all-core load such as Cinebench multi-core. Not wall power. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

70W13Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/100-budget-cpu-shootout-ddr4Read 15 October 2026Cinebench 2024 multi-core render chart, EPS12V measured with HWiNFO and Benchlab, average 70 W. The chart title reads Higher is better, which is a label error for watts. EPS12V is measured at the board input, so it includes some VRM loss. Same test system as the game results.

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CPU power while gaming (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Average CPU package power while gaming. Not wall power. Compare only results from the same reviewer. Intel Binary Optimization or APO on or off goes in the source note. A geomean that mixes games with it on and off is left out.

42.1W13Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/100-budget-cpu-shootout-ddr4Read 15 October 202614 Game CPU Power Geomean chart: 42.1 W average CPU power at 1920x1080 with variable High and Ultra settings, RTX 5090 Founders Edition, DDR4. The chart does not name the measurement method. The same chart shows 38.7 W with the RTX 4060 8GB, which is not stored. The geomean includes the ray-traced DOOM: The Dark Ages. The chip has no APO or iBOT support.

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CPU power at idle (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. CPU package power at the reviewer's idle state. Not wall power. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

16W13Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/100-budget-cpu-shootout-ddr4Read 15 October 2026Idle Power Consumption chart, EPS12V measured with HWiNFO and Benchlab, bar Core i3-12100F - DDR4: 16 W. True idle. Tom's separate active idle with YouTube playback is not stored. Same test system.

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CPU temperature in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Highest absolute CPU temperature in a sustained all-core load. A delta over room temperature is not stored. It depends on the cooler. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

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All-core clock in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Sustained clock under an all-core load. On chips with several core groups, the clock of the group with the highest rated clock, such as Intel P-cores, even when another group measures higher. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

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In the box

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Cooler in the boxiA cooler comes in the retail box. Tray versions have none.

Yes6Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000089190/processors/intel-core-processors.htmlRead 15 October 2026Intel's Laminar RM1 article says the cooler is shipped with the box for the listed 12th, 13th and 14th Gen boxed processors. The 12th Gen list names i7-12700, i7-12700F, i5-12600, i5-12500, i5-12400, i5-12400F, i3-12100 and i3-12100F. Tray processors have no cooler. Tom's Hardware also says the chip comes with the Laminar RM1.

No8Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/CPU/l3zw9p9i9/Intel-Core-i5-12600KFRead 15 October 2026BuildCores lists Cooler Included: No for the boxed BX8071512600KF. Intel's Laminar RM1 article names the i5-12600 and i5-12500 among 12th Gen boxes with a cooler, and does not name the i5-12600K or i5-12600KF. Retailer listings title the box as without cooler. The tray has none.

Included cooler

Intel Laminar RM16Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000089190/processors/intel-core-processors.htmlRead 15 October 2026Cooler named Intel Laminar RM1.

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Links

Not compared

Product page

www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.html1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/132223/intel-core-i312100f-processor-12m-cache-up-to-4-30-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026

www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.html1Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/134590/intel-core-i512600kf-processor-20m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 15 October 2026

Spec sheet

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download.intel.com/newsroom/2021/client-computing/12th-gen-processor-product-brief.pdf4Maker spec sheet (PDF)download.intel.com/newsroom/2021/client-computing/12th-gen-processor-product-brief.pdfRead 15 October 202612th Gen Intel Core desktop processors product brief. Its comparison table has one column for the i5-12600K and i5-12600KF together.

Manual

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EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years7Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000024255/processors.htmlRead 15 October 2026Intel's warranty policy: Intel generally offers a three-year limited warranty with boxed processors. Some boxed models get one year and the page does not list them, and it does not name the i3-12100F. Tray processors are covered by the seller or the OEM. Global terms with consumer-law exceptions outside the US.

3years7Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000024255/processors.htmlRead 15 October 2026Intel's warranty policy: Intel generally offers a three-year limited warranty with boxed processors. The two-year extension table covers 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors only and does not name the i5-12600KF. Tray processors are covered through the seller. Global terms with consumer-law exceptions outside the US.

Both are also in the API. Back to all CPUs.