Intel Core i3 Alder Lake i3-12100 BOX
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Performance-cores are high-performance cores capable of simultaneously executing up to two computation threads. Supports DDR5 standard and PCI Express 5.0 interface.
Performance-cores are high-performance cores capable of simultaneously executing up to two computation threads. Efficient-core — energy-efficient cores do not support Hyper-Threading and are designed to handle background workloads.
Younger representatives of the Core i3 family, which were released in the 12th generation of Intel processors under the code name Alder Lake. All chips from this series are manufactured in accordance with an updated technical process (10 nm) and support work exclusively with Intel motherboards with a Socket 1700 processor socket. Another key difference from the 10th and 11th generations of Core i3 is support for fast next-generation DDR5 RAM.
Moreover, unlike the Ryzen 7000 processors, which have completely switched to DDR5, the Core i3 Alder Lake chips also support the previous DDR4 standard, which significantly simplifies the assembly and design of the system with an eye to a future upgrade. The maximum supported clock speed of DDR5 is 4800 MHz, while DDR4 is limited to 3200 MHz. The maximum amount of RAM in both cases is 128 GB.
The entire Core i3 Alder Lake family is made according to the usual scheme of recent years: 4 performance-class physical cores with support for turbo boost and Hyper-Threading multi-threading technology, due to which 4 virtual cores are added to 4 physical cores. In normal mode, all chips operate at a frequency of 3.3 GHz, and if necessary, they can be overclocked to 4.3 GHz.
This dynamic load balancing ensures an optimal balance between system performance, noise, heat and power consumption. The volume of L3 cache memory is traditionally somewhat limited for the Core i3 series. In this case, its volume is 12 MB. The maximum heat dissipation level for the entire line does not exceed 89 W, so a stock cooler (if included) or the simplest entry-level fan will be sufficient for cooling, which makes this family an attractive option for installation in an entry-level gaming or work PC. As a bonus, the processor has an integrated graphics subsystem Intel HD Graphics 730, which in the case of budget and office assemblies eliminates the need to buy additional video cards. The GPU is integrated into all chips in the series except for models with the F suffix at the end of the name.
E-Catalog UK editor, CPUs
Valerii Lenko, edited 23.06.2026
The information in the model description is for reference purposes.
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Always clarify the specifications and configuration of the product with the online store manager before purchasing.
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Intel Core i3-12100 processor 12 MB Smart Cache Tray CM8071504651012 | £105.64 |  | |||
| £117.12 |  | ||||
Intel BX8071512100 | £121.99 |  | |||
Intel Core i3-12100 - 3.3 GHz (BX8071512100) BX8071512100 BX8071512100 | £123.38 | | |||
Intel Core i3-12100 processor 12 MB Smart Cache Box BX8071512100 | £135.99 |  | |||
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Model overview based on user reviews
The Intel Core i3 Alder Lake series, particularly models like the i3-12100F, is highly praised for its excellent price-to-performance ratio. Users appreciate its ability to handle powerful games and everyday tasks efficiently, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers. The processor's high core frequency and energy efficiency are standout features, with many noting its cool operation even under stress. While it may lag slightly behind 6-core processors in high-resolution gaming, it remains stable and reliable for its price. The integrated graphics and modern socket offer upgrade potential, though some users wish for better graphics options. Overall, it's considered an ideal low-cost option for gaming and general use, with the new socket providing future-proofing for potential upgrades.
Pros
Cons
0 0 0 8 |
The best low-cost option: prices, gaming performance, quality, energy efficiency, etc. Some compare the i3-12100 with the i3-10100, then I won’t say it’s worth it - the difference is huge in favor of the modern 1700 socket - M.2 speed for reading 7300 Mb / s and writing 3900 Mb/s (Kingston FURY Renegade SFYRS/500G ). Fast for 4 cores and 8 threads (best in class in my opinion), simple cooling is easy to handle, power savings, integrated graphics (for students, etc.), modern socket for further possible replacement of the processor (i5, i7, i9 12 -13 generations with corresponding motherboard). To nitpick, UHD730 graphics (UHD770 is better from i5-12500 on up). In general, the best option for your money. |
Since these times mean delaying the purchase of a graphics card, I chose based on the existing 1660 Super. The card performs at 100% without much strain. I got it for gaming and non-professional photo editing. Motherboard Asus TUF gaming M plus (the similar one without plus does not support PCI 5.0). I chose the B660 chipset since I don't plan to overclock, and auto-overclocking is quite sufficient for my needs. The ID-COOLING SE-213 cooler handles it well, never exceeding 70 degrees in a stress test. In games, it averages 50 degrees. Price! Temperature. Performance. New socket with upgrade capability. The absence of energy-efficient cores is considered a plus until their software support is properly implemented. Few coolers under 1700. The available adapters can be considered as a temporary solution.  Alex L: use Intel i3-12100F OEM less than month |
A very excellent processor for its price, still handles powerful games like Stalker 2 and others, I have been using it every day for two years, it is very cool, it doesn't require a high-wattage power supply, so it is ideal for its price. no need to buy an expensive motherboard nothing Daniil Luzheckiy: use Intel i3-12100F BOX more than year |
3 out of 8 user review(s) shown
5 more user review(s)
Intel Core i3 Alder Lake configurations
| Price for Intel Core i3 Alder Lake | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Intel Core i3 Alder Lake i3-12100 BOX | from £105.64 | 18 offers | |
| Intel Core i3 Alder Lake i3-12100 OEM | from £115.62 | 5 offers | |
 | Intel Core i3 Alder Lake i3-12100F BOX | from £79.99 | 16 offers | |
 | Intel Core i3 Alder Lake i3-12100F OEM | from £87.00 | 6 offers | |
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Intel LGA 1700, cores 4, threads 8, TurboBoost 4.7 GHz, process technology 10 nm, PCIe 5.0, UHD Graphics 730, integrated graphics, multithreading, TDP 60 W, memory RAM: maximum 192 GB, DDR4 3200 MHz, DDR5 4800 MHz
Intel LGA 1700, cores 6, threads 12, process technology 10 nm, PCIe 5.0, UHD Graphics 730, integrated graphics, multithreading, TDP 65 W, memory RAM: maximum 128 GB, DDR4 3200 MHz, DDR5 4800 MHz
Intel LGA 1700, cores 10, 6P+4E, threads 16, process technology 10 nm, PCIe 5.0, UHD Graphics 730, integrated graphics, multithreading, TDP 65 W, memory RAM: maximum 192 GB, DDR4 3200 MHz, DDR5 4800 MHz
AMD AM4, 65 W, cores 6 , threads 12 threads, process technology 7 nm, 3.6 GHz, TurboBoost 4.1 GHz, DDR4 3200 MHz
AMD WRX8, 280 W, cores 16 - 64 , threads 32 - 128 threads, process technology 7 nm, 2.7 - 4 GHz, TurboBoost 4.5 GHz, DDR4 3200 MHz
AMD AM4, 65 W, cores 8 , threads 16 threads, process technology 7 nm, 3.7 / 3.8 GHz, TurboBoost 4.6 GHz, DDR4 3200 MHz, - / Radeon Vega 8
Intel LGA 1151 v2, 65 / 95 W, cores 6 , threads 6 threads, process technology 14 nm, 2.9 - 3.7 GHz, TurboBoost 4.1 - 4.6 GHz, maximum 128 GB, DDR4 2666 MHz, - / UHD Graphics 630
AMD AM4, 65 W, cores 6 , threads 12 threads, process technology 7 nm, 3.6 / 3.9 GHz, TurboBoost 4.2 - 4.6 GHz, maximum - / 128 GB, DDR4 3200 MHz
Intel LGA 1700, 65 / 125 W, cores 10 / 14 , 6P+4E, 6P+8E, threads 16 / 20 threads, process technology 10 nm, maximum 128 GB, DDR4 3200 MHz, DDR5 4800 / 5600 MHz
AMD AM5, 65 - 120 W, cores 8 , threads 16 threads, process technology 5 nm, 3.8 - 4.5 GHz, TurboBoost 4.5 - 5.4 GHz, maximum 128 GB, DDR5 5200 MHz, Radeon
Intel LGA 1700, 35 - 125 W, cores 24 , 8P+16E, threads 32 threads, process technology 10 nm, maximum 128 GB, DDR4 3200 MHz, DDR5 5600 MHz, - / UHD Graphics 770
Intel LGA 1700, 65 / 125 W, cores 16 , 8P+8E, threads 24 threads, process technology 10 nm, maximum 128 GB, DDR4 3200 MHz, DDR5 5600 MHz, - / UHD Graphics 770