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Intel Core i3 12300 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$140
  • PassMark benchmark result: 14342
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.4 GHz

Intel Core i3 12300 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.7

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Performance

18.0%

6.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

8.1

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.3

Platform

1.0%

7.2

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    6.4

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.8

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.0
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.7

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £160

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-12300 is a 12th-generation Alder Lake desktop processor featuring 4 high-performance 'Golden Cove' cores and 8 threads, with a base frequency of 3.5 GHz and a max turbo boost of 4.4 GHz. Built on the Intel 7 (10nm) process, it includes 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports both DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800 memory, and integrates Intel UHD Graphics 730. Its main advantages include exceptional single-core performance that rivals higher-tier chips, high power efficiency with a 60W base TDP, and improved compatibility by omitting hybrid E-cores. However, it is limited by its quad-core design in heavy multi-threaded workloads like video rendering, lacks an unlocked multiplier for manual overclocking, and often faces stiff value competition from the slightly cheaper i3-12100.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 12300

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

5.7
Intel Core i3 12300 has a technical score of 5.65 points, which is higher than that of 58.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i3 12300 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

6.9
Intel Core i3 12300 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is higher than 69% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i3 12300 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1700
Intel Core i3 12300 uses the LGA1700 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 7.4% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680
Intel Core i3 12300 supports Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 83.1% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 12300 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i3 12300 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i3 12300 offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i3 12300 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.4 GHz
Intel Core i3 12300 reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 51.2% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 3.5 GHz
Intel Core i3 12300 has a base clock of 4x3.5 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

10 nm
Intel Core i3 12300 uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 7
Intel Core i3 12300 is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

12 MB
Intel Core i3 12300 has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

5 MB
Intel Core i3 12300 has an L2 cache of 5 MB which is larger than that of 64.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.4% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

320 KB
Intel Core i3 12300 has an L1 cache of 320 KB which is smaller than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/DDR5
Intel Core i3 12300 supports DDR DDR4/DDR5, which is newer than that of 79.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

4,800 MHz
Intel Core i3 12300 supports memory speeds up to 4800 MHz, which is higher than that of 66.4% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR5-4800 MHz
Intel Core i3 12300 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-4800 MHz, which is higher than that of 66.5% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i3 12300 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 12300 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 730
Intel Core i3 12300 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 730 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 53.4% of processors and equal to that in 2.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i3 12300 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i3 12300 has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i3 12300 supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

60 W
Intel Core i3 12300 has a TDP of 60 W which is higher than that of 69.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

60 W
Intel Core i3 12300 has a base power of 60 W which is higher than that of 69.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

89 W
Intel Core i3 12300 has a boost power of 89 W which is higher than that of 64.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i3 12300 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i3 12300 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i3 12300 vs the average processor

  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).
    What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
    When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 4.0

    Intel Core i3 12300 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
  • 43.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,572 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,572 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,572 vs 2,483
  • 51.1% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,222 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,222 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,222 vs 1,471
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 12300 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.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 12300 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
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 12300 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 12300 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 37.4% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (665 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (665 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.665 vs 484
  • 75% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 12300 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 12300 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 12300 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 12300 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,700 vs FP2).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 12300 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 43.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,572 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 51.1% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,222 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 37.4% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (665 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 50.5% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,213 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 36.2% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (14,342 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 19.2% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,318 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 12300 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.
  • 75% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 12300 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i3 12300 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i3 12300 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 2x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i3 12300 has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 67.7% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i3 12300 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 63.7% higher memory speed
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (4,800 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core i3 12300 has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 12300 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 12300 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 12300 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 39.1% higher boost power
    Intel Core i3 12300 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.
  • 33.3% higher base power
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (60 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 33.3% higher TDP
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher TDP than the average processor (60 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 12300 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 12300 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 12300 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 12300 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 12300 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 12300 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 39.1% higher boost power
    Intel Core i3 12300 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.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i3 12300 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
  • 33.3% higher base power
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (60 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (60 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.60 W vs 45 W
  • 33.3% higher TDP
    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher TDP than the average processor (60 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 12300 has a higher TDP than the average processor (60 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.60 W vs 45 W
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i3 12300 supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
    What it is: The supported ways PCIe lanes can be split across multiple slots or devices.
    When it matters: When you plan multiple expansion cards or NVMe adapters.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 12300 supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8).x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8
Total
Platform
Performance
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i3 12300?

  • Exceptional single-threaded performance for an entry-level CPU
  • Highly efficient with very low power consumption (sub-65W in many tasks)
  • Runs cool even under load, often including a functional stock heatsink
  • Lacks E-cores, which eliminates potential scheduling or compatibility issues in older software
  • Supports modern standards like PCIe 5.0 and both DDR4/DDR5 memory
  • Excellent value for budget gaming and general productivity builds
  • Capable of impressive BCLK overclocking on specific motherboards with external clock generators

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 12300?

  • Limited multi-threaded performance due to having only 4 cores and 8 threads
  • Higher price point (roughly $160) makes it harder to justify over the significantly cheaper i3-12100F
  • Locked multiplier restricts traditional overclocking on most standard motherboards
  • Performance is easily 'blown away' by mid-range chips like the i5-12400 or Ryzen 5 5600 in heavy workloads
  • Integrated UHD 730 graphics are basic and not suitable for demanding modern gaming

Expert reviews

G
guru3d.com
13/12/2021
New tests show Core i3-12100 and i3-12300 single and multi-thread core performance

The Intel Core i3-12100 and i3-12300 processors demonstrate exceptional, class-leading single-core performance based on the Alder Lake Golden Cove architecture, with the 12300 offering a slight 1% gaming edge. These 4-core/8-thread CPUs provide immense value for budget systems, offering up to 42% higher performance than previous generations while maintaining low power consumption...Read more

V
valid.x86.fr
01/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i3-12300 (8T): Interested in a performance comparison with the popular i3-12100 in French gaming benchmarks?

The Intel Core i9-13900K, as detailed on CPU-Z Validator, is a 24-core, 32-thread processor that achieves a peak single-core turbo frequency of 5.8 GHz, delivering exceptional performance for high-end gaming and professional workloads. A major advantage is its market-leading synthetic benchmark performance, outperforming competitors in both single-thread and multi-thread tests while...Read more

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