Intel Core i3-12100F 3.3/4.3GHz 4 Core, 8 Thread CPU
A four-core, eight-thread 12th Gen Intel processor that gives budget gaming and office builds a fast, efficient start on LGA1700.
The Core i3-12100F is the value pick of Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake desktop range. It uses four Performance-cores with Hyper-Threading for eight threads, running at a 3.3GHz base clock and a 4.3GHz maximum turbo. Built on the Intel 7 process, it draws just 58W at base power, and the boxed version includes Intel’s Laminar RM1 cooler. As an F-series part it has no integrated graphics, so it is meant for systems with a dedicated graphics card.
Performance
Alder Lake’s Performance-cores are quick, and four of them with a 12MB Intel Smart Cache and 5MB of L2 handle everyday software, office work and the majority of games well when paired with a mid-range graphics card. Eight threads leave room for browser tabs, voice chat and background downloads alongside a game. Turbo Boost 2.0 manages clock speed automatically; the multiplier is locked.
Platform and connectivity
The i3-12100F fits the LGA1700 socket used by 600 and 700 series Intel chipsets, and works with either DDR5 at up to 4800 MT/s or DDR4 at up to 3200 MT/s depending on the motherboard, with a maximum of 128GB across two channels. It provides 20 PCIe lanes across PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 for a graphics card and NVMe storage. Punch can fit it in a new build with a B660, B760 or similar board.
Cooling and noise
With 58W base power and 89W maximum turbo power the i3-12100F is easy to cool, and the included Laminar RM1 cooler (up to 47mm tall, rated for up to 65W processors) is sufficient for stock operation. The maximum junction temperature is 100°C and the thermal solution specification is PCG 2020C.
Ideal for
- Budget gaming PCs with a dedicated graphics card
- Home and office desktops that need to stay quiet and efficient
- Compact builds where a small stock cooler is an advantage
Specifications
- Model: Intel Core i3-12100F
- Code name: Alder Lake; lithography Intel 7
- Total cores / threads: 4 (4 P-cores, 0 E-cores) / 8
- Max turbo frequency: 4.3 GHz
- P-core base frequency: 3.3 GHz
- Cache: 12 MB Intel Smart Cache; total L2 cache 5 MB
- Processor base power / maximum turbo power: 58 W / 89 W
- Max junction temperature: 100°C
- Socket: FCLGA1700
- Unlocked: No
- Memory: DDR5 up to 4800 MT/s or DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s, dual channel, max 128 GB
- PCI Express: 5.0 and 4.0, 20 lanes
- Integrated graphics: None (discrete graphics card required)
- Thermal solution specification: PCG 2020C
- Cooler included: Intel Laminar RM1
- Launch: Q1 2022
