INTEL

Intel Core i3-12100F CPU, 1700, 3.3 GHz (4.3 Turbo), Quad Core, 58W, 12MB Cache, Alder Lake, No Graphics

SKU:
BX8071512100F
UPC:
5032037238731
MPN:
BX8071512100F
£81.38
Frequently bought together:

Description

Intel Core i3-12100F CPU (LGA1700) – 4 Cores / 8 Threads, Up to 4.30GHz, 12MB Cache, 58W (Alder Lake) – No Integrated Graphics

Summary: The Intel Core i3-12100F is a 12th Gen Alder Lake desktop processor for LGA1700, delivering excellent budget gaming and everyday performance with 4 performance cores and 8 threads. It runs at 3.30GHz base and boosts up to 4.30GHz, with 12MB Intel® Smart Cache and 5MB total L2. It has a 58W Processor Base Power (up to 89W Maximum Turbo Power) and supports DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 memory on compatible motherboards. F-series = no integrated graphics, so a dedicated GPU is required.

Ideal for value gaming builds and fast home/office PCs, the i3-12100F offers strong single-core responsiveness for high FPS in esports titles and smooth performance for multitasking, browsing, and productivity. Pair it with a mid-range graphics card for a cost-effective 1080p/1440p setup, or use it as a solid upgrade path on the LGA1700 platform.

Key benefits

  • 4C/8T performance: great for gaming + everyday workloads
  • Up to 4.30GHz boost: snappy app and game responsiveness
  • Modern platform support: DDR4 or DDR5 (motherboard dependent)
  • PCIe 5.0/4.0 CPU lanes: ready for current GPUs and fast storage (board/chipset dependent)

Verified specifications

  • Socket: FCLGA1700
  • Cores / Threads: 4 / 8
  • Clocks: 3.30GHz base, up to 4.30GHz max turbo
  • Cache: 12MB Intel® Smart Cache; 5MB total L2
  • Power: 58W base power; up to 89W max turbo power
  • Memory support: up to 128GB; DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800; dual-channel
  • PCIe support: PCIe 5.0 and 4.0; up to 20 lanes; configs up to 1x16+4 / 2x8+4
  • Max temperature (Tjunction): 100°C

Compatibility notes 

  • No integrated graphics: you must install a dedicated graphics card for display output.
  • Choose DDR4 or DDR5 motherboard: LGA1700 boards support one memory type only (you can’t mix).
  • BIOS/board support: use an LGA1700 motherboard with Intel 600/700-series chipset; check CPU support list if unsure.
 

 

 

Specification

Main Specification

Product Description Intel Core i3 12100F / 3.3 GHz processor - Box
Product Type Processor
Processor Type Intel Core i3 12100F (12th Gen)
Number of Cores Quad-Core / 8 threads
Cache 12 MB
Compatible Processor Socket LGA1700 Socket
Processor Qty 1
Clock Speed 3.3 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.3 GHz
Manufacturing Process 10 nm
Features Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Hyper-Threading Technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel 64 Technology, streaming SIMD extensions 4.1, streaming SIMD extensions 4.2, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, Intel AES New Instructions (AES-NI), Thermal Monitoring Technologies, Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d), Idle States, Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), Intel Secure Key, Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2.0), Intel OS Guard, Intel Speed Shift Technology, Intel Optane Memory Supported, Mode-based Execute Control (MBE), Intel Volume Management Device (VMD), Intel Boot Guard, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost), Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology, Intel Gaussian and Neural Accelerator 3.0, Instruction Set 64-bit
Manufacturer Warranty 3-year warranty

General

Product Type Processor

Processor

Type / Form Factor Intel Core i3 12100F (12th Gen)
Number of Cores Quad-Core
Number of Threads 8 threads
Cache 12 MB
Cache Memory Details L3 - Smart Cache - 12 MB L2 - 5 MB
Processor Qty 1
Clock Speed 3.3 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.3 GHz
Compatible Processor Socket LGA1700 Socket
Manufacturing Process 10 nm
Thermal Design Power 89 W
Thermal Specification 100 °C
PCI Express Revision 4.0/5.0
PCI Express Configurations 1x16+4, 2x8+4
PCI Express Lanes Qty 20
Architecture Features Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Hyper-Threading Technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel 64 Technology, streaming SIMD extensions 4.1, streaming SIMD extensions 4.2, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, Intel AES New Instructions (AES-NI), Thermal Monitoring Technologies, Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d), Idle States, Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), Intel Secure Key, Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2.0), Intel OS Guard, Intel Speed Shift Technology, Intel Optane Memory Supported, Mode-based Execute Control (MBE), Intel Volume Management Device (VMD), Intel Boot Guard, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost), Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology, Intel Gaussian and Neural Accelerator 3.0, Instruction Set 64-bit

Miscellaneous

Package Type Intel Boxed

Manufacturer Warranty

Service & Support Limited warranty - 3 years

Return

30 Das Return

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Intel Core i3-12100F — FAQ

What is the Intel Core i3-12100F?
The Intel Core i3-12100F is a 12th Gen (Alder Lake) budget gaming & everyday desktop CPU with 4 cores / 8 threads and up to 4.30GHz turbo — designed for systems using a dedicated graphics card.
What are the key specs (cores, clocks, cache, power)?
4 cores (P-cores) / 8 threads
Base: 3.30GHz
Max Turbo: up to 4.30GHz
Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache (L2: 5MB)
Processor Base Power: 58W (Max Turbo Power: 89W)
Does the i3-12100F have integrated graphics?
No. “F” CPUs ship without Intel Processor Graphics, so you must use a discrete GPU for display output. (Motherboard video ports won’t work without a non-F CPU.)
What socket and motherboards are compatible?
It uses LGA1700. It works on Intel 600-series motherboards (e.g., H610/B660/H670/Z690) and is also commonly supported on many 700-series boards with the correct BIOS (check your motherboard CPU support list).
Do I need to update the BIOS?
Usually not on 600-series boards released for 12th Gen, but on some newer boards or old stock, a BIOS update can help stability and memory compatibility. If your board has BIOS Flashback, you can update even without a CPU installed.
What RAM does it support (DDR4 or DDR5)?
It supports DDR4 or DDR5 depending on your motherboard (boards are either DDR4 or DDR5 — not both). Intel lists up to 128GB across 2 memory channels
Is a CPU cooler included in the box?
Yes — boxed i3-12100F retail packs include the Intel Laminar RM1 cooler. (OEM/tray versions may differ, so always check the listing.) 
Is the stock cooler good enough?
For stock settings, the RM1 cooler is typically fine for everyday use and gaming. If you want lower noise or cooler temps, a basic tower cooler is an easy upgrade.
Is the i3-12100F good for gaming?
Yes — it’s a popular value pick for 1080p gaming when paired with a suitable GPU. It’s especially strong in esports titles; for heavy multitasking/streaming, an i5/i7 may be better.
Does it support PCIe 4.0 / PCIe 5.0?
Platform support depends on your motherboard and slot wiring. Many LGA1700 boards offer PCIe 4.0 for NVMe and/or GPU; some boards provide PCIe 5.0 for the GPU slot.
What PSU wattage do I need?
The CPU itself is modest (58W base power). PSU sizing depends mainly on your graphics card — many builds land around 550W–750W depending on the GPU.
Troubleshooting: PC turns on but there’s no display
• The i3-12100F has no integrated graphics — connect your monitor to the graphics card, not the motherboard video ports. 
• Reseat GPU + power cables, and ensure the GPU is in the main PCIe x16 slot.
• Reseat RAM (try one stick), clear CMOS, then reboot.
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