Intel Core 3 100HL vs Intel Core i5-12450HX Comparison

The Intel Core 3 100HL and Intel Core i5-12450HX are both 8-core, 12-thread processors from Intel, but they target different segments and use different architectures. The recorded benchmark data shows a clear split: the Core 3 100HL wins decisively in one multi-threaded test and one single-thread test, while the i5-12450HX takes the majority of the remaining tests, often by narrow margins. This analysis walks through the head-to-head results, the architectural differences, and the practical implications for each workload.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result in the head-to-head data is the Cinebench R23 multicore test. The Core 3 100HL scores 14948, while the i5-12450HX scores 11390. That is a 31.2% advantage for the Core 3, the largest delta in the entire comparison. This test stresses all cores simultaneously, and the Core 3's lead here is substantial. The only other wins for the Core 3 come in the Passmark single-thread tests. The Core 3 scores 3735 in both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread, while the i5-12450HX scores 3340. That is an 11.8% lead for the Core 3. These two entries are identical in score, so they represent a single performance characteristic.

The i5-12450HX wins the other 14 head-to-head tests. The largest of those wins is in Passmark physics, where the i5 scores 1086 against the Core 3's 928, a 14.5% difference. Next is Passmark find prime numbers: the i5 scores 54, the Core 3 scores 48, an 11.1% gap. Passmark extended instructions shows the i5 at 13832 versus 12463, a 9.9% lead. Passmark data compression gives the i5 219707 against 202225, an 8% advantage. The i5 also leads in Passmark multithread (18274 vs 17586, 3.8%), floating point math (43126 vs 42108, 2.4%), integer math (57189 vs 56308, 1.5%), data encryption (12110 vs 11964, 1.2%), and random string sorting (23306 vs 23223, 0.4%). In the Cinebench R15 and R20 tests, the i5 wins every one, but by less than 1%: R15 multicore 1512 vs 1506 (-0.4%), R15 singlecore 213 vs 212 (-0.5%), R20 multicore 6304 vs 6278 (-0.4%), R20 singlecore 889 vs 886 (-0.3%), and R23 singlecore 2119 vs 2110 (-0.4%). The overall average benchmark score reflects this: the i5-12450HX averages 24576, while the Core 3 100HL averages 23545. The i5 also sits at the 77th percentile of all CPUs, one point above the Core 3's 76th.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear trade-off. The i5-12450HX wins 14 of 17 head-to-head tests, making it the more consistent performer across a broad range of workloads. Its wins in physics, prime number finding, extended instructions, and data compression are particularly notable, with double-digit percentage leads in the first two. For general-purpose computing, the i5 is the safer choice. However, the Core 3 100HL has a massive 31.2% advantage in Cinebench R23 multicore, a test that is often used to gauge heavy multi-threaded rendering performance. It also leads by 11.8% in Passmark single-thread, though the Cinebench R23 singlecore result slightly favors the i5. Users who prioritize the specific workloads where the Core 3 excels, especially rendering or single-threaded tasks that align with Passmark's methodology, should choose the Core 3. For everything else, the i5-12450HX is the better option. The i5 also offers an unlocked multiplier and more PCIe lanes, which may matter for overclocking or expansion, but those are secondary to the benchmark results.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 10 nm process and support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The Core 3 100HL uses the Raptor Lake architecture (codename Raptor Lake-PS) and fits the Intel Socket 1700, while the i5-12450HX uses Alder Lake (codename Alder Lake-HX) and fits Intel BGA 1964. The Core 3 has a higher boost clock at 4.60 GHz versus 4.40 GHz, but a lower base clock at 2.10 GHz versus 2.40 GHz. The i5 has a higher TDP at 55 W, compared to 45 W for the Core 3. The L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core, and both share 12 MB of L3 cache. The L2 cache differs: the Core 3 has 2 MB per core, while the i5 has 1.25 MB per core. The i5 has a larger die size at 215 mm², while the Core 3's die size is not listed. The PCIe support is a major difference: the i5 offers Gen 5 with 20 lanes, while the Core 3 has Gen 4 with 8 lanes. The integrated graphics also differ: the Core 3 has Iris Xe Graphics 48EU, while the i5 has UHD Graphics 710. The Core 3 is a desktop part, while the i5 is a mobile part. The i5 has an unlocked multiplier, the Core 3 does not. The i5 was released in May 2022, the Core 3 in April 2024. The i5 has a launch MSRP of $284, while the Core 3 has no listed MSRP. The i5 has a part number SRLGJ, the Core 3's part number is unknown.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has higher single-thread performance?

A: In Passmark single-thread, the Core 3 100HL scores 3735 versus 3340 for the i5-12450HX, an 11.8% advantage. However, in Cinebench R23 singlecore, the i5 is slightly ahead at 2119 versus 2110, a 0.4% difference. The result depends on the benchmark.

Q: Which CPU is better for multi-threaded rendering?

A: The Core 3 100HL wins Cinebench R23 multicore by a large margin: 14948 versus 11390, a 31.2% lead.

Q: Which CPU has more PCIe lanes?

A: The i5-12450HX has PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes, while the Core 3 100HL has Gen 4 with 8 lanes.

Q: Which CPU has a larger L2 cache?

A: The Core 3 100HL has 2 MB per core, while the i5-12450HX has 1.25 MB per core.

Q: Which CPU is unlocked for overclocking?

A: The i5-12450HX has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core 3 100HL does not.

Q: Which CPU has a higher TDP?

A: The i5-12450HX has a TDP of 55 W, while the Core 3 100HL has 45 W.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 3 100HL wins in Cinebench R23 multicore, a test that stresses all cores, and in Passmark single-thread, which reflects lightly threaded performance. It also has a higher boost clock and a larger L2 cache. The i5-12450HX wins in the majority of tests, including physics, prime number finding, extended instructions, data compression, multithread, floating point, integer, encryption, and all Cinebench R15/R20 tests. It also has a higher base clock, more PCIe lanes, an unlocked multiplier, and a larger die size. For workloads like physics simulation, encryption, or compression, the i5 is the better choice. For rendering or single-threaded tasks that align with Passmark's test, the Core 3 is superior.

Specification Differences

• Socket: Intel Socket 1700 vs Intel BGA 1964
• Base clock: 2.10 GHz vs 2.40 GHz
• Boost clock: 4.60 GHz vs 4.40 GHz
• TDP: 45 W vs 55 W
• Architecture: Raptor Lake vs Alder Lake
• Codename: Raptor Lake-PS vs Alder Lake-HX
• Generation: Core 3 (Raptor Lake-PS) vs Core i5 (Alder Lake-HX)
• Die size: not listed vs 215 mm²
• L2 cache: 2 MB per core vs 1.25 MB per core
• PCIe: Gen 4, 8 lanes vs Gen 5, 20 lanes
• Integrated graphics: Iris Xe Graphics 48EU vs UHD Graphics 710
• Market segment: Desktop vs Mobile
• Release date: 2024-04-07 vs 2022-05-09
• Launch MSRP: not listed vs $284
• Multiplier unlocked: false vs true
• Part number: unknown vs SRLGJ