Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i7-980X

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CPU comparison with benchmarks

-VS-

CPU lineage

Intel Core i3-12100F or Intel Core i3-12100F – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Intel Core i3-12100F features 4 processor cores and has the capability to manage 8 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q1/2022 and belongs to the 12 generation of the Intel Core i3 series.
To use the Intel Core i3-12100F, you'll need a motherboard with a LGA 1700 socket.
The Intel Core i7-980X features 6 processor cores and has the capability to manage 12 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q1/2010 and belongs to the 1 generation of the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition series.
To use the Intel Core i7-980X, you'll need a motherboard with a LGA 1366 socket.
Intel Core i3-12100F Name Intel Core i7-980X
Intel Core i3 Family Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition
12 Generation 1
Desktop / Server Segment Desktop / Server
Intel Core i 12000 Group Intel Core i7 900
 
 

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

The Intel Core i3-12100F has 4 CPU cores and can calculate 8 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i3-12100F is 3.3 GHz
and turbo frequency for one core is 4.3 GHz.
The Intel Core i7-980X has 6 CPU cores and can calculate 12 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i7-980X is 3.33 GHz
and turbo frequency for one core is 3.6 GHz.
The number of CPU cores greatly affects the speed of the processor and is an important performance indicator.
normal Core architecture normal
Yes Hyperthreading Yes
4.0 GHz Turbo Frequency (all cores) None
3.3 GHz Frequency 3.33 GHz
4 CPU Cores 6
4.3 GHz Turbo Frequency (1 core) 3.6 GHz
No Overclocking Yes
8 Threads 12
4x Golden Cove Cores 6x
 
 

Internal Graphics

The Intel Core i3-12100F does not have integrated graphics.
The Intel Core i7-980X does not have integrated graphics.
-- Max. displays --
-- Release date --
-- GPU (Turbo) --
-- Execution units --
GPU name
-- Generation --
-- Shaders --
0 bytes Max. GPU Memory 0 bytes
-- GPU frequency --
-- Technology --
-- Direct X --
 
 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

-- AI hardware --
-- AI specifications --
 
 

Hardware codec support

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.
-- h265 / HEVC (8 bit) --
-- JPEG --
-- h264 --
-- VC-1 --
-- AV1 --
-- VP9 --
-- h265 / HEVC (10 bit) --
-- VP8 --
-- AVC --
 
 

Memory & PCIe

The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 128.0 GB distributed across 2 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 24.0 GB distributed across 3 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 Memory type DDR3-1066
2 Memory channels 3
76.8 GB/s Bandwidth 25.6 GB/s
No ECC No
pci PCIe pci
128.0 GB Max. Memory 24.0 GB
Yes AES-NI No
 
 

Thermal Management

The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 58 W watts.
TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself.
The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 130 W watts.
58 W TDP (PL1 / PBP) 130 W
100 °C Tjunction max --
89 W TDP (PL2) None
 
 

Technical details

The Intel Core i3-12100F is manufactured using a 10 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 12.0 MB cache.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The Intel Core i7-980X is manufactured using a 32 nm process.
Q1/2022 Release date Q1/2010
5.0 MB L2-Cache 1.5 MB
12.0 MB L3-Cache 12.0 MB
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AVX2+ ISA extensions SSE4.1, SSE4.2
VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d Virtualization VT-x, VT-x EPT
97 $ Release price 1059 $
LGA 1700 Socket LGA 1366
Monolithic Chip design Monolithic
Windows 10, Linux, Windows 11 Operating systems Windows 10, Linux
Technical data sheet Documents Technical data sheet
Alder Lake S Architecture Gulftown
-- Part Number --
x86-64 (64 bit) Instruction set (ISA) x86-64 (64 bit)
10 nm Technology 32 nm