🚀 CPU Launch

Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i5-6600K

Table of Contents



Overview:

Comparison between Intel Core i3-12100F and Intel Core i5-6600K

Both CPUs are manufactured by Intel. Intel Core i5-6600K has a higher base speed of 3.5 GHz compared to Intel Core i3-12100F's 3.3 GHz. Intel Core i3-12100F has a higher turbo speed of 4.3 GHz compared to Intel Core i5-6600K's 3.9 GHz. Both CPUs have the same number of cores (4). Intel Core i3-12100F supports more threads (8) compared to Intel Core i5-6600K's 4 threads.

Both CPUs belong to the same class: Desktop. Intel Core i3-12100F uses the FCLGA1700 socket, while Intel Core i5-6600K uses the FCLGA1151 socket. Intel Core i3-12100F was launched in Q1 2022, while Intel Core i5-6600K was launched in Q3 2015. Intel Core i3-12100F has a larger L3 cache of 12 MB compared to Intel Core i5-6600K's 6 MB.

Specification Summary

The Intel Core i3-12100F and Intel Core i5-6600K are two processors with distinct specifications. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features:

  • Manufacturer: Both processors are manufactured by Intel.
  • Speed: The Intel Core i3-12100F has a base speed of 3.3 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-6600K runs at 3.5 GHz.
  • Turbo Boost: The Intel Core i3-12100F supports a turbo speed of 4.3 GHz, compared to 3.9 GHz for the Intel Core i5-6600K.
  • Cores: The Intel Core i3-12100F has 4 cores, while the Intel Core i5-6600K has 4 cores.
  • Threads: The Intel Core i3-12100F supports 8 threads, compared to 4 threads for the Intel Core i5-6600K.
  • Class: Both processors are designed for Desktop use.
  • Socket: The Intel Core i3-12100F uses the FCLGA1700, while the Intel Core i5-6600K uses the FCLGA1151.
  • Launch Date: The Intel Core i3-12100F was launched on Q1 2022, while the Intel Core i5-6600K was released on Q3 2015.
  • L3 Cache: The Intel Core i3-12100F has 12 MB of L3 cache, compared to 6 MB for the Intel Core i5-6600K.

Detailed Specifications:

Specs Intel Core i3-12100F Intel Core i5-6600K
Intel Intel
Manufacturer Intel Intel
Speed 3.3 GHz 3.5 GHz
Turbo 4.3 GHz 3.9 GHz
Cores 4 4
Threads 8 4
Class Desktop Desktop
Socket FCLGA1700 FCLGA1151
Launched Q1 2022 Q3 2015
L3 Cache 12 MB 6 MB

Review:

Single Core Performance:


CPU Performance in single-threaded applications

Intel Core i3-12100F:



57%
Intel Core i5-6600K:
38%
* More is Better

Multi Core Performance:


CPU Performance in multi-threaded applications

Intel Core i3-12100F



20%
Intel Core i5-6600K:
9%
* More is Better

Power Efficiency:


Power Consumption of CPU under full load

Intel Core i3-12100F: 58 watts



14.5%
Intel Core i5-6600K: 91 watts
22.75%
* Lower is Better

Launched Date:


Time when the CPU was launched


Intel Core i3-12100F : Q1 2022 ✅

Intel Core i5-6600K : Q3 2015 ✅

* Newer is Better

CPU Launch FINAL SCORE:

CPU Final Rating Ratings

Intel Core i3-12100F



Intel Core i5-6600K


Pro's and Con's

Intel Core i3-12100F – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Higher Turbo Boost Speed: The Intel Core i3-12100F supports a higher turbo boost speed of 4.3 GHz compared to the Intel Core i5-6600K's 3.9 GHz. This allows for better performance during peak workloads.
  • Faster Single-Core Performance: With a single-threaded performance score of 3458, the Intel Core i3-12100F outperforms the Intel Core i5-6600K (score: 2325). This makes it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core performance, such as gaming or everyday productivity.
  • Larger L3 Cache: The Intel Core i3-12100F features a larger L3 cache of 12MB compared to the Intel Core i5-6600K's 6MB. A larger cache improves performance in memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, by reducing latency and speeding up data access.
  • Higher CPU Mark Score: The Intel Core i3-12100F has a higher CPU Mark score of 234.85 compared to the Intel Core i5-6600K's 89.45. This indicates better overall performance across a wide range of tasks.

Cons:

  • Not available

Intel Core i5-6600K – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Newer Release: The Intel Core i5-6600K was launched more recently (Q3 2015) compared to the Intel Core i3-12100F (Q1 2022). This means it benefits from the latest advancements in technology, improved efficiency, and potentially better software optimization.
  • Higher Base Clock Speed: The Intel Core i5-6600K has a higher base clock speed of 3.5 GHz compared to the Intel Core i3-12100F's 3.3 GHz. This results in better performance for single-threaded tasks and general responsiveness.

Cons:

  • Fewer Threads: The Intel Core i5-6600K has 4 threads, which is fewer than the Intel Core i3-12100F's 8 threads. This may limit its ability to handle highly parallel workloads efficiently.
  • Lower Multi-Core Performance: In multi-threaded tasks, the Intel Core i5-6600K scores 6321, which is lower than the Intel Core i3-12100F's score of 14089. This makes the Intel Core i3-12100F a better choice for heavy multitasking or parallel processing.
  • Higher Power Consumption: The Intel Core i5-6600K has a higher TDP of 91W compared to the Intel Core i3-12100F's 58W. This means it may consume more power, leading to higher energy costs and potentially more heat generation, which could require better cooling solutions.


Productivity


Intel Core i3-12100F
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

Intel Core i5-6600K
This cpu Handles Entry Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Entry Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.


Gaming

Intel Core i3-12100F
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.

Intel Core i5-6600K
Ideal for Entry Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Entry Level level computing.



Verdict

Intel Core i3-12100F

The Intel Core i3-12100F is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.

Intel Core i5-6600K

The Intel Core i5-6600K is a reliable and Entry Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Entry Level computing needs or those building a New PC.