Intel Core i5-11400 vs Intel Core i3-12100

The Intel Core i5-11400 (Rocket Lake S architecture) is a desktop processor released in 2021, targeting a mainstream audience.

Manufactured using a 14 nm process, it features 6 cores and 12 threads. It is equipped with Intel UHD Graphics 730, supports PCIe 4.0, and offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 51 GB/s. Its 3 MB L2 and 12 MB L3 caches contribute to overall performance. In some single-core tests, such as Cinebench R23, it shows a noticeable performance advantage.

For multi-core performance, it significantly outperforms the Intel Core i3-12100 in Cinebench 2024, making it suitable for well-scaling applications.

The Intel Core i3-12100 (Alder Lake S architecture), released in 2022, aims at the entry-level to mid-range segment and benefits from a more advanced 10 nm manufacturing process. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it offers high efficiency and responsive performance. It also integrates Intel UHD Graphics 730, but supports the future-proof PCIe 5.0 and a higher maximum memory bandwidth of 77 GB/s.

Its 5 MB L2 and 12 MB L3 caches are designed for efficiency. In benchmarks, its single-core performance, for example in Geekbench 6 and Cinebench 2024, is comparable or slightly superior. It also offers noticeably higher multi-core performance in Cinebench R23. In gaming scenarios, it is often the better choice due to its higher IPC and more modern architecture.

Its more efficient manufacturing also enables lower power consumption.