Intel Core i3-12100 Gaming Performance
12th Gen • Alder Lake • Released 2022
Passmark Score
This budget-friendly processor provides adequate gaming performance for 1080p gaming. With 4 cores and 8 threads running at up to 4.3GHz, the Intel Core i3-12100 scores 70/100 in our gaming benchmarks. It handles modern games without bottlenecking high-end GPUs.
Technical Specifications
Cores
4
Threads
8
Base Clock
3.3 GHz
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz
Cache
N/A
TDP
60W
Gaming Performance Analysis
Overall Gaming Performance
The Intel Core i3-12100 scores 70/100 in our gaming benchmarks, placing it in the budget category. It delivers solid gaming performance across most titles, with good frame rates in both esports and AAA games.
CPU-Intensive Games
With 4 cores, this processor may struggle in heavily multi-threaded games. Consider pairing with mid-range GPUs to avoid bottlenecks.
Esports & Competitive Gaming
The 4.3GHz boost clock is adequate for esports titles, though you may not reach the highest frame rates possible with faster processors.
Popular Games Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Intel Core i3-12100 good for gaming in 2026?
The Intel Core i3-12100 is a budget-friendly processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, scoring 70/100 in our gaming benchmarks. It provides solid gaming performance for most modern titles.
What games can the Intel Core i3-12100 run?
The Intel Core i3-12100 can run all modern games. It handles CPU-intensive titles like Starfield and Cities Skylines 2 without issues. Pair it with an appropriate GPU for best results.
Does the Intel Core i3-12100 bottleneck GPUs?
With 4 cores, the Intel Core i3-12100 may bottleneck high-end GPUs in CPU-demanding games. Consider pairing it with mid-range GPUs for optimal balance.
What is the Intel Core i3-12100 equivalent to?
The Intel Core i3-12100 performs similarly to other budget-friendly CPUs in its generation. Check our comparison tool to see how it stacks up against alternatives from AMD.
Additional Information
Performance Scores
Gaming Score
70%
Relative gaming performance