Intel Core i3-12100 vs AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
These two processors score identically for gaming. Core count, power draw and platform cost decide it.
| Specification | Intel Core i3-12100 | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 56/100 | 56/100 |
| Tier | C | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | AMD |
| Cores | 4 | 6 |
| Threads | 8 | 12 |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 60 W | 95 W |
| Release year | 2022 | 2019 |
Which should you buy?
Gaming performance is a tie between these two, so the decision comes down to the factors below. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X has more cores (6 vs 4), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i3-12100 runs 35W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.