The Core i7-3970X is the comparison's loser – it's at least 2x slower gaming CPU than the Core i3-12100F and it's also a much worse value for money, as it's $101.00 more expensive!
Advantages of the Core i7-3970X
- Can execute more multi-threaded tasks simultaneously – 12 vs 8 threads
Advantages of the Core i3-12100F
- At least 2x faster CPU for gaming
- Up to 58% cheaper – $74.00 vs $175.00
- A much better value for money for gaming
- Consumes up to 61% less energy – 58 vs 150 Watts
Core i7-3970X vs Core i3-12100F
The CPU's performance in selected game and settings
Core i3-12100F
Jan 29th, 2022
Average FPS
221
100%
Min 1% FPS
150
100%
Price, $
$74
100%
Value, $/FPS
$0.33/FPS
100%
Synthetic Benchmarks
The Core i7-3970X vs Core i3-12100F in synthetic CPU benchmarks
Performance Specifications
The Core i7-3970X vs Core i3-12100F in core CPU performance specifications
Core i7-3970X
Nov 1st, 2012
Cores
6-core
100%
L3 Cache
15 MB
100%
Base Frequency
3.5 GHz
100%
Turbo Frequency
4 GHz
93%
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1600 MHz
33%
Core i3-12100F
Jan 29th, 2022
Cores
4-core
67%
L3 Cache
12 MB
80%
Base Frequency
3.3 GHz
94%
Turbo Frequency
4.3 GHz
100%
Max. DDR5 RAM Speed
4800 MHz
100%
Specifications
Comparison of all specifications
Core i7-3970X | SpecificationsComparison of all specifications | Core i3-12100F |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Nov 1st, 2012 | Release Date | Jan 29th, 2022 |
| $990.00 | MSRP | $97.00 |
Desktop | Segment | Desktop |
| Intel Socket 2011 | Socket | Intel Socket 1700 |
| Sandy Bridge-E | Codename | Alder Lake-S |
| 150 W | Power Consumption | 58 W |
| Performance | ||
6 | Cores | 4 |
12 | Threads | 8 |
3.5 GHz | Base Frequency | 3.3 GHz |
| 4.0 GHz | Turbo Frequency | 4.3 GHz |
15 MB | L3 Cache | 12 MB |
| Other Features | ||
| DDR3 @ 1600 MHz | RAM | DDR4 @ 3200 MHz, DDR5 @ 4800 MHz |
| No | Integrated Graphics | No |
Yes | Overclockable | No |
