Intel Core i5-8600K vs Intel Core i3-12100
The Intel Core i3-12100 is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 2%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i5-8600K | Intel Core i3-12100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 55/100 | 56/100 |
| Tier | C | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 6 | 4 |
| Threads | 6 | 8 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 95 W | 60 W |
| Release year | 2017 | 2022 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i3-12100 is the better buy — it holds a 2% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i5-8600K 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.