Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i3-14100

The Intel Core i3-12100, based on the Alder Lake S architecture and manufactured using the 10 nm process, was introduced in the first quarter of 2022 for entry-level desktop systems.

It features 4 P-cores and 8 threads and integrates Intel UHD Graphics 730. Its Level 2 Cache is 5 MB and its Level 3 Cache is 12 MB. The Intel Core i3-14100, introduced in the first quarter of 2024, uses the Raptor Lake S Refresh architecture, also manufactured using the 10 nm process.

It also offers 4 P-cores, 8 threads, and Intel UHD Graphics 730, but targets improved performance in the same segment. It also features 5 MB of Level 2 and 12 MB of Level 3 Cache. Both processors support PCIe 5.0 and achieve a maximum memory bandwidth of 77 GB/s. In performance comparison, the Intel Core i3-14100 shows noticeably higher single-core performance of over 10 percent.

In multi-core applications, it also surpasses the Intel Core i3-12100 by over 10 percent in some tests, while other tests show comparable performance. This performance increase of the Intel Core i3-14100 is primarily due to higher clock frequencies and offers a slight advantage in gaming scenarios, as games often benefit from strong single-core performance.

Both CPUs have a similar Thermal Design Power (TDP) of typically 60W, which makes them energy-efficient and suitable for systems with standard cooling. The Intel Core i3-12100 offers a very good price-performance ratio for basic tasks and budgets. The Intel Core i3-14100 is generally slightly more expensive but justifies its price with slightly higher overall performance.

For users looking for a cost-effective and proven solution, the Intel Core i3-12100 is suitable. For users who value slightly higher responsiveness and a small performance boost, the Intel Core i3-14100 is the preferred choice.