Core i3-12100F

Gaming is more accessible with the i3-12100F: Intel’s entry level Alder Lake desktop processor. Higher end Alder Lake processors feature a combination of performance and efficiency cores, however, the 12100F contains just four hyper-threaded Golden Cove performance cores. It has a max boost frequency of 4.3 GHz, 12 MB of L3 cache and a 58W TDP. The 12100F is keenly priced at around $130 USD and needs to be paired with a new chipset such as the B660. Only users with discrete GPUs should consider “F” models as they do not have integrated graphics. Whilst a budget PC built around the 12100F represents unbeatable value for money, the 6-core i5-12400F, with 50% stronger multi-core, is a better option for gamers with 3060+ tier GPUs. AMD do not have any CPUs competing in this price segment. Entry level gamers, who cannot find reasonably priced discrete GPUs, could consider the similarly performing Ryzen 5 5600G APU which has integrated RX Vega graphics that are around three times faster than Intel's UHD 730. ^{[Jan '22 CPUPro]}