Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Get the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K unless you need a budget option. The numbers tell the story: it boasts 14 cores compared to the Intel Core i3-12100F's 4, making it a powerhouse for multitasking and demanding applications. In real-world use, that means if you're into gaming or creative work, the Ultra 5's max turbo frequency of 5.2 GHz delivers serious performance. Meanwhile, the i3-12100F's 58W power draw is impressive for energy efficiency, but it falls short with no integrated graphics and struggles with heavy workloads.
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Intel Core i3-12100F
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Intel Core i3-12100F
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
| Criterion | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,621)Amazon | ★4.5(111)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) |
Socket Platform | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
Cores Threads | 4 Cores (4 Performance + 0 Efficient) / 8 Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz Base / Up to 4.3 GHz Max Turbo | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 5 MB L2 | 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 26 MB L2 (50 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 58 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 89 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 159 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) |
Memory Support | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Up to 128 GB) | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); CUDIMM Support; Up to 192 GB |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 76.8 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s (at DDR5-6400) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) | 24 (20 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0 Direct from CPU) |
Igpu | No (F-Series; Discrete GPU Required) | Intel® Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 1.9 GHz Max Dynamic) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI | SSE4.2, AVX2, VNNI, Intel 64, VT-x/d; NPU (13 TOPS AI) |
Cooler Included | Yes (Intel Laminar RM1) | No (Heatsink not included) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature |
Notes Limits | F-series requires a discrete graphics card. Excellent pairing with H610 or B660 chipsets for budget builds. | Requires LGA1851 motherboard (800 Series). No Hyper-Threading. Includes dedicated NPU for AI workloads. |
Chipset Support | Intel 600 and 700 Series (H610, B660, H670, Z690, etc.) | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, etc.) |
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Intel Core i3-12100F
✓ Pros:
- • Superior single-core performance typically beating older flagships
- • Highly efficient 58W base power draw
- • Includes Intel Laminar RM1 cooler (adequate for this TDP)
- • Most affordable entry point for PCIe 5.0 support
✗ Cons:
- • Limited to 4 cores (struggles with heavy multi-threaded production workloads)
- • No integrated graphics (requires a discrete GPU)
- • Locked multiplier (overclocking not supported)
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Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th Gen
- • Modern platform connectivity: Native Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, PCIe 5.0 lanes
- • Integrated NPU (13 TOPS) accelerates light local AI workloads
- • Run cooler than previous i5-K SKUs under load
✗ Cons:
- • Gaming performance often flat or slightly lower than 14600K/Ryzen 9000
- • Removal of Hyper-Threading reduces multi-core potential in some apps
- • Requires new LGA1851 socket (incompatible with LGA1700)
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K is the better buy for most people - its 14 cores and 5.2 GHz max turbo frequency crush the Intel Core i3-12100F.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core i3-12100F if: you need an affordable entry-level processor, you want to keep power consumption low, or you're building a basic setup without a discrete GPU.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K if: you require robust multitasking capabilities, you do demanding tasks like video editing, or you want the latest connectivity options like PCIe 5.0.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i3-12100F excels if you value superior single-core performance typically beating older flagships. Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K is better if you prioritize significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th gen. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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