OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i3-12100F review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£95PassMark multi-core score:13952N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:4.3 GHzCPU socket:LGA1700TDP (Thermal design power):58 W

Intel Core i3-12100F Review: Compare 168 technical specifications, 11 expert and video reviews and 7 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i3-12100F
7.8/10

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 15%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components

40%

6.6

Technical score

25%

8.3

Reviews score

15%

8.3

List score

10%

9.3

Sentiment score

10%

9.2

User score

▲Better than 86% of processors
8.5

Value for money

Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

★Better than 97%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Score components

60%

6.1

Performance

18%

6.7

Architecture

10%

8.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.5

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

▲Better than 62%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (11)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▲Better than 88%
9.2

User score

User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.4, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 70% of models

80%

9.2

Rating

20%

9.3

Popularity

▲Better than 70%
8.3

List score

List score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 15% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (7)
List score: in 7 of 71 lists (10%)
★Better than 97%
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Processors model ranking

Ranked #74 of 558 models in Processors (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3-12100F

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Score components:

60%

6.1

Performance

18%

6.7

Architecture

10%

8.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

7.5

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

6.6
Reviews score
8.3
User score
9.2
List score
8.3
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components:

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

8.5
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1700
This processor uses the LGA1700 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 84.5% of processors and equal to that of 8.4% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
4
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 52.8% of processors and equal to 27.5% of processors.
CPU threads
8
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 33.4% of processors and equal to 18.8% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.3 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.3 GHz which is lower than that of 51.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
4x 3.3 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 4x3.3 GHz which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
13,952
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 13,952 in PassMark, which is higher than 55.5% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
10 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 19.5% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 7
This processor is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
L3 cache
12 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 9.3% of processors.
L2 cache
5 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 5 MB which is larger than that of 62.9% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
L1 cache
320 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 320 KB which is smaller than that of 56.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.2% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4/DDR5
This processor supports DDR DDR4/DDR5, which is newer than that of 77.1% of processors and equal to that of 10.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
4,800 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MHz, which is higher than that of 64.6% of processors and equal to 6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR5-4800 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-4800 MHz, which is higher than that of 62.3% of processors and equal to 6.7% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
TDP (Thermal design power)
58 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 58 W which is higher than that of 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
58 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 58 W which is higher than that of 66.3% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
89 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 89 W which is higher than that of 59% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
?
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i3-12100F vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 64.8% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,529 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,529 vs 1,535
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 + 4 vs 3).
    5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
  • 69.5% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,827 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,827 vs 5,209
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 34.2% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,432 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,432 vs 2,558
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 62.2% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • 23.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 88% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.3 vs 6.7
  • 29.2% higher sentiment score
    9.3 vs 7.2
  • 26.0% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.4, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 70% of models

    80%

    9.2

    Rating

    20%

    9.3

    Popularity

    9.2 vs 7.3
  • 15.4% better value for money
    Intel Core i3-12100F has better value for money than the average processor (8.45 vs 7.3).
    8.45 vs 7.33
  • 2.63x cheaper
    Intel Core i3-12100F is cheaper than the average processor (£95 vs £250).
    £95 vs £250
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP5).
    LGA1700 vs FP5
  • 64.8% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,529 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,529 vs 1,535
  • 69.5% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,827 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,827 vs 5,209
  • 34.2% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,432 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,432 vs 2,558
  • 21.6% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (13,952 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    13,952 vs 11,469
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 62.2% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    3 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
  • 66.7% larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    5 MB vs 3 MB
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 + 4 vs 3).
    5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 vs 16
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 63.8% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • 50% higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (4800 MHz vs 3200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3200 MHz.
    4,800 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    4 vs 6
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 28.9% higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (58 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    58 W vs 45 W
  • 39.1% higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (89 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    89 W vs 64 W
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    4 vs 6
  • 2.3% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.3 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.3 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • 28.9% higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (58 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    58 W vs 45 W
  • 39.1% higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (89 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    89 W vs 64 W
  • 28.9% higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (58 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    58 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Yesterday's Ram
≈ estimated
10/03/2026
Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks with RX 6600
Verdict
Intel Core i3-12100F is a great budget CPU for most games, though newer titles can expose its limits.
9.0
TechLabUK
≈ estimated
06/01/2023
Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks at 1080p
Verdict
Intel Core i3-12100F is a strong budget gaming CPU that keeps pace with a mid-range graphics card.
9.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
03/02/2022
Hands-on review · gaming, productivity and power tests
Verdict
Intel Core i3-12100F is impressive for a quad-core budget chip, especially for gaming, though the i5-12400F is the better buy.
9.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
11/01/2022
Full review · gaming, productivity and benchmark tests
Verdict
Intel Core i3-12100F is a strong budget gaming chip but a poor choice for rendering and code compiling.
7.0
Techo Mode
≈ estimated
01/11/2022
Comparison test · CPU and GPU benchmarks against a Core i9
Verdict
Intel Core i3-12100F is fine for office and home use, but it bottlenecks a high-end RTX 3080 in gaming.
9.0
Ultra Game World
≈ estimated
12/05/2022
Unboxing and installation · Cinebench and game benchmarks
Verdict
Intel Core i3-12100F puts in a strong showing for a four-core processor, with good results for its class.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

What reviewers agree on

Based on 3 · 8

Reviewers like its gaming and single-core speed for the money, but few cores limit multitasking and there's no integrated graphics.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
club386.com
≈ estimated
14/02/2022
Review · Everyday and gaming chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i3-12100F is a low-power quad-core that handles everyday tasks and gaming well, but without integrated graphics it needs a separate graphics card.
9.5
techspot.com
✓ explicit
03/02/2022
Benchmark review · Gaming and apps
Verdict
The Intel Core i3-12100F is a strong quad-core for gaming and everyday apps, matching older 6-core chips in many tasks, but it needs a separate graphics card.
9.0
computerbase.de
≈ estimated
12/01/2022
Lab test · Power and gaming
Verdict
The Intel Core i3-12100F is a fast four-core chip for gaming and everyday tasks, but its power limit pulls the clock down under long heavy loads.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Intel Core i3-12100F

  • Four cores and eight threads handle several everyday programs at once.
  • Large caches, 1.25 MB of L2 and 3 MB of L3 per core, keep data close to the cores.
  • The 4.3 GHz boost clock keeps single tasks quick.
  • DDR4 and DDR5 support lets you choose the memory type.
  • PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 lanes suit the newest fast drives and graphics cards.
  • The box includes a cooler, so you can build without buying one.

What we don't like about Intel Core i3-12100F

  • There is no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required.
  • Four cores can feel tight for heavy video editing or long renders.
  • The multiplier is locked, so the chip cannot be overclocked.
  • Short boosts draw up to 89 W, so the cooler and power supply must be up to the job.
  • Two memory channels cap bandwidth at 76.8 GB/s, which can hold back memory-heavy work.

Verdict

The main strength of the Intel Core i3-12100F is its Alder Lake design, built on 10 nm with 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core and 3 MB of L3 per core. Those large caches help the chip with repeated tasks, such as compiling code or switching between many browser tabs. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory up to 4800 MHz, so the motherboard decides which type you use. A boost clock of 4.3 GHz keeps single tasks quick, and the box includes a cooler. The trade-off is that it has no integrated graphics, so a graphics card is needed to get a picture on the screen. It fits a buyer who builds a budget PC for work or light gaming, adds a graphics card, and wants room for newer memory.

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