Compare / Core i3-12100 vs Core i5-9600K

Core i3-12100 vs Core i5-9600K: which is better?

Core i3-12100 is about 4% faster than Core i5-9600K in games (4K · high settings · RTX 5090). Core i3-12100 offers better value for money.

Intel

Core i3-12100

43%of the fastest CPU
≈ $70Part score 55/100
VS
Intel

Core i5-9600K

40%of the fastest CPU
≈ $66 (used)Part score 53/100
Faster: Core i3-12100Cheaper: Core i5-9600K

Head to head

43%
Gaming performance
40%
55/100
Part score
53/100
173 FPS
Average FPS
166 FPS
≈ $70
Approx. price
≈ $66 (used)
100/100
Value for money
100/100

Specifications

Core i3-12100Core i5-9600K
Cores46
Max boost4.3 GHz4.6 GHz
Power (TDP)60 W95 W
SocketLGA1700LGA1151
MemoryDDR4 / DDR5DDR4
Integrated graphicsYesYes
Release year20222018
Free · no install

Is your CPU holding back your graphics card?

The scanner finds your graphics card, CPU, RAM, monitor, mouse and keyboard in under a minute. You get a score out of 100, estimated FPS in games, a bottleneck check and upgrade tips made for you.

Estimated FPS in games

Core i3-12100Core i5-9600K
173average FPS
166average FPS
Resolution
Graphics card

Showing: 4K · high settings · RTX 5090 · ◆ CPU-limited value

Competitive games

Valorant
387◆
364◆
Counter-Strike 2
280
266◆
League of Legends
335◆
315◆
Fortnite
101
101
Apex Legends
154
154
Rainbow Six Siege X
298◆
280◆
Overwatch 2
205
205
Rocket League
260◆
245◆
Dota 2
193◆
182◆

Other games

GTA V
126◆
119◆
Minecraft
246◆
231◆
EA SPORTS FC
148
140◆
Roblox
240
240
Baldur’s Gate 3
74◆
70◆
Rust
83
81◆