Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i3-12100F

The Intel Core i7-8700 (Coffee Lake S), introduced in Q2 2018, is a 14 nm processor with 6 cores and 12 threads, 12 MB L3 cache, and PCIe 3.0.

It offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s and Intel UHD Graphics 630. The Intel Core i3-12100F (Alder Lake S, Q1 2022), on the other hand, uses a more advanced 10 nm process (Intel 7), features 4 P-cores and 8 threads, 5 MB L2 and 12 MB L3 cache.

Its maximum memory bandwidth is 77 GB/s and it supports PCIe 5.0. In single-core performance, the Intel Core i3-12100F significantly outperforms the Intel Core i7-8700 by over 10 percent. Even in multi-core scenarios, such as Geekbench 6, the Intel Core i3-12100F shows over 10 percent more performance.

This makes it a better choice for gaming and general system responsiveness. Thanks to its modern manufacturing process, the Intel Core i3-12100F is more energy-efficient. In terms of price-performance ratio, the Intel Core i3-12100F offers a superior option for new systems on a modern platform (LGA 1700).

The Intel Core i7-8700 is primarily relevant for existing LGA 1151 systems or very cost-effective used market upgrades with integrated graphics.