Intel Core i3-12100T vs Intel Core i5-11400T Comparison

The Intel Core i5-11400T and Intel Core i3-12100T are both low-power desktop processors, yet the benchmark data reveals two very distinct performance personalities. The i5-11400T, a Rocket Lake part, dominates in Cinebench workloads across the board, while the i3-12100T, built on Alder Lake, counters with decisive victories in Geekbench, particularly in single-core tests. This split defines the entire comparison, making the choice between them dependent entirely on the workload.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite is entirely owned by the Intel Core i5-11400T. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i5 scores 1120 against the i3's 1057, a lead of 6%. The single-core R15 test is closer, with the i5 at 157 and the i3 at 149, a 5.4% margin. This pattern persists in newer versions of the benchmark. Cinebench R20 multicore shows the i5 ahead with 4667 points versus 4405, a 5.9% difference. The R20 single-core result is 658 for the i5 versus 622 for the i3, a 5.8% gap. Cinebench R23 follows the identical trend: the i5 wins multicore with 11113 points against 10490 (5.9% delta) and single-core with 1569 versus 1481 (also a 5.9% delta). In every Cinebench test, from R15 through R23, the i5-11400T maintains a remarkably consistent advantage of roughly 5.4% to 6%.

The Geekbench results flip the narrative entirely. The Intel Core i3-12100T posts a multicore score of 6055, which is 7.7% higher than the i5-11400T's 5591. The single-core Geekbench gap is even more pronounced. The i3 achieves 1957 points, while the i5 manages only 1597, a substantial 18.4% deficit. This is not a marginal victory; it is a clear generational leap in single-threaded performance, likely driven by the i3's higher boost clock and newer microarchitecture.

The overall picture shows a split decision. The i5-11400T wins six of the eight head-to-head benchmarks, but the i3-12100T wins the two most impactful single-core tests, including one with an enormous 18.4% margin. The average benchmark scores reflect this balance: the i5 sits at 3309, and the i3 is close behind at 3277. The i5 also holds a slightly higher percentile ranking among all CPUs at 54, compared to the i3's 53. However, the i3's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2516 and Intel Xeon E-2374G with 0% delta, while the i5's closest competitor is the Intel Core i5-11500T, which it beats by 0.6%.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different generations and use fundamentally different designs. The Intel Core i5-11400T is based on the Rocket Lake architecture, built on Intel's 14 nm process node. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel Core i3-12100T uses the newer Alder Lake architecture, fabricated on a 10 nm process, and packs 4 cores and 8 threads. The die size reflects this change: the i5 has a die size of 276 mm², while the i3's smaller 4-core layout measures 163 mm².

Cache allocation differs significantly between the two. Both share 12 MB of L3 cache, but the L2 cache is where the designs diverge. The i5-11400T provides 512 KB of L2 cache per core, while the i3-12100T offers 1.25 MB per core. This means the i3 has substantially more L2 cache per physical core, which can reduce latency in certain workloads. L1 cache remains identical at 80 KB per core for both.

Clock speeds tell a story of different priorities. The i5-11400T has a base clock of 1300 MHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The i3-12100T has a much higher base clock of 2.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. Despite the i5 having two additional cores, the i3's higher clocks and newer architecture allow it to compete effectively. Both processors share a 35 W TDP and use the same integrated graphics, UHD Graphics 730.

Platform support is another key differentiator. The i5-11400T uses the Intel Socket 1200 and supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes. The i3-12100T uses the newer Intel Socket 1700 and supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes. Memory support also differs: the i5 supports only DDR4, while the i3 supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The i5 specifies a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the i3 lists no specific bandwidth figure. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and both are locked (multiplier not unlocked).

The Verdict

The data points to a clear conclusion: the Intel Core i5-11400T is the stronger processor for multi-threaded rendering and compute tasks. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration gives it a consistent edge of roughly 6% across all Cinebench versions. For users running CPU-based rendering, video encoding, or other heavily threaded workloads, the benchmark results show that the i5 will deliver measurably faster completion times.

The Intel Core i3-12100T, however, is the superior choice for single-threaded performance and memory-flexible systems. Its 18.4% lead in Geekbench single-core is decisive, and its 7.7% multicore Geekbench win suggests it handles mixed workloads well. Its support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory makes it a more future-proof option for new builds. The i3 also has a lower launch MSRP of $122, compared to the i5's $182, though this should not be weighed as a value metric.

The production status also matters. The i5-11400T is marked as end-of-life, while the i3-12100T is active. For new system builds, the i3 offers a modern platform with a longer expected lifespan. For existing Socket 1200 owners seeking an upgrade, the i5 is the obvious choice. The i5 also wins on raw core count, which remains beneficial in multi-threaded Cinebench scenarios.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Intel Core i5-11400T scores 11113 points, beating the Intel Core i3-12100T's 10490 points by a margin of 5.9%.

Q: How much faster is the Intel Core i3-12100T in Geekbench single-core?

A: The i3-12100T scores 1957 points, which is 18.4% higher than the i5-11400T's score of 1597 points.

Q: Do both processors have the same amount of L3 cache?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-11400T and the Intel Core i3-12100T feature 12 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the difference in core and thread counts?

A: The Intel Core i5-11400T has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i3-12100T has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which processor supports DDR5 memory?

A: Only the Intel Core i3-12100T supports DDR5 memory. The Intel Core i5-11400T supports only DDR4.

Q: What are the process nodes for these two CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i5-11400T uses a 14 nm process, while the Intel Core i3-12100T uses a 10 nm process.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-11400T wins decisively in all Cinebench tests, including R15, R20, and R23, in both single-core and multicore variants. This makes it the better choice for applications that rely on the Cinebench rendering engine, such as Cinema 4D and similar 3D modeling tools. Its 6-core design provides a 6% performance advantage in R15 multicore and consistent 5.9% leads in R20 and R23 multicore tests. For users who prioritize CPU rendering performance, the i5 is the data-backed winner.

The Intel Core i3-12100T wins in Geekbench, both single-core and multicore. The single-core victory is particularly large at 18.4%, indicating a substantial advantage in lightly-threaded applications like everyday productivity, web browsing, and older games that rely on single-thread performance. The 7.7% multicore Geekbench win also suggests the i3 handles general-purpose multitasking well, despite having fewer cores. Additionally, the i3's support for PCIe Gen 5 and both DDR4 and DDR5 memory makes it a more flexible foundation for a new system.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-11400T | Intel Core i3-12100T |

|---|---|---|

| Architecture | Rocket Lake | Alder Lake |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 10 nm |

| Cores | 6 | 4 |

| Threads | 12 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 1300 MHz | 2200 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 4.10 GHz |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1200 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | Not specified |

| PCIe Support | Gen 4, 20 Lanes | Gen 5, 20 Lanes |

| Die Size | 276 mm² | 163 mm² |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Launch MSRP | $182 | $122 |