Intel Core i3-12300 vs Intel Core i3-12300T Comparison

The Intel Core i3-12300 and Intel Core i3-12300T are two 4-core, 8-thread Alder Lake desktop processors that share the same architecture but are tuned for different priorities. The non-T variant is clocked higher and consumes 60W, while the T variant is a 35W part with lower clocks. Benchmark data shows the standard i3-12300 wins every single head-to-head test, though the margins are consistent at roughly 10% across all workloads. The T-series chip, meanwhile, posts an average benchmark score that is only 0.2% lower, indicating that the performance gap is narrow despite the significant power difference.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i3-12300 has a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, whereas the Intel Core i3-12300T has a boost clock of 4.20 GHz.

Q: How much of a lead does the i3-12300 hold over the i3-12300T in multi-core Cinebench R23?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i3-12300 scores 12211 compared to the i3-12300T's 11118, a 9.8% advantage.

Q: Do the two processors share the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i3-12300 and the Intel Core i3-12300T feature UHD Graphics 730.

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP) difference between the two chips?

A: The i3-12300 has a TDP of 60W, while the i3-12300T has a TDP of 35W.

Q: Are the cache sizes identical between these two models?

A: Yes, both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core score in Cinebench R20?

A: The i3-12300 scores 724 in Cinebench R20 single-core, while the i3-12300T scores 658, giving the standard part a 10% lead.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's Alder Lake-S architecture, using the same 10 nm process node and a die size of 163 mm². They are both fabricated by Intel and belong to the Core 12th Gen series. The core configuration is identical: 4 cores and 8 threads, with no support for overclocking as both have locked multipliers. The cache hierarchy is exactly the same, with 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. Memory support is also identical, with both supporting DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, and neither supports ECC memory.

The primary architectural differentiator is clock speed and power envelope. The standard i3-12300 has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, while the i3-12300T has a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz. This 1.20 GHz difference at base clock and 0.20 GHz difference at boost clock is the sole reason for the performance disparity. The T-series part is designed with a 35W TDP compared to the 60W TDP of the standard chip, which explains the lower clock speeds. Both parts use the Intel Socket 1700, have the same PCIe configuration (Gen 5, 20 lanes from the CPU), and share the same part number family (SRL61 for the i3-12300, SRL60 for the i3-12300T). The integrated graphics solution is identical as well, with both featuring UHD Graphics 730.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a consistent pattern: the Intel Core i3-12300 outperforms the Intel Core i3-12300T in every single test, with all delta percentages falling between 9.8% and 10.2%. This consistency suggests the performance gap is directly proportional to the clock speed difference, rather than any architectural inefficiency.

In Cinebench R15, the i3-12300 scores 1230 in multi-core against 1120 for the i3-12300T, a 9.8% win. The single-core test shows a slightly larger gap, with 173 versus 157, representing a 10.2% advantage. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20, where the multi-core score is 5128 versus 4669 (9.8% delta) and the single-core score is 724 versus 658 (10% delta). The Cinebench R23 results follow suit: multi-core 12211 versus 11118 (9.8% delta) and single-core 1724 versus 1569 (9.9% delta).

The i3-12300T does have one additional benchmark in its data set that the i3-12300 does not have listed: Geekbench 5 results of 6782 multi-core and 2123 single-core. However, this does not change the overall picture, as the head-to-head tests show the standard part winning all six comparisons. The closest margin is in Cinebench R15 multi-core and R20 multi-core, both at 9.8%, while the largest margin is in R15 single-core at 10.2%. The average benchmark score for the i3-12300 is 3532, while the i3-12300T averages 3525, a difference of only 0.2%. This near-identical average is notable because it suggests that in a broader set of workloads, the performance difference may be less pronounced than the Cinebench suite alone indicates.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i3-12300 is the faster processor across every benchmark measured. It wins all six head-to-head tests, with a lead of approximately 10% in both single-core and multi-core workloads. This makes it the straightforward choice for anyone prioritizing raw performance in CPU-bound tasks like rendering or simulation, as evidenced by its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12211 versus 11118 for the T variant.

However, the i3-12300T is not without merit. Its 35W TDP, compared to the 60W TDP of the standard part, makes it a significantly more power-efficient option. The performance cost for this efficiency is modest in absolute terms: the average benchmark score is only 0.2% lower. The T-series chip also carries a lower launch MSRP of $97 compared to $143 for the i3-12300. For systems where thermal limits are tight, such as small-form-factor builds or passively cooled configurations, the i3-12300T offers a compelling balance. Its base clock of 2.30 GHz is considerably lower, but the boost clock of 4.20 GHz is close to the standard part's 4.40 GHz, meaning bursty workloads will see less of a penalty than sustained loads.

The choice hinges on the use case. The i3-12300 is the better option for users who need maximum throughput and can accommodate the higher power draw. The i3-12300T is the better option for users prioritizing low power consumption and heat output, accepting a roughly 10% performance reduction in exchange. Both processors sit in the 55th percentile of all CPUs, indicating they are mid-range performers in the broader market. The nearest rival data reinforces this positioning: the i3-12300 matches the Intel Xeon W-1290TE and Intel Core i5-10600K with a 0% delta, while the i3-12300T is 0.1% ahead of the Intel Atom x7213RE and 0.1% behind the Intel Xeon W-2135.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-12300 | Intel Core i3-12300T |

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

| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 2.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.40 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| TDP | 60W | 35W |

| Launch MSRP | $143 | $97 |

| Part Number | SRL61 | SRL60 |

All other specifications are identical between the two processors. Both feature 4 cores and 8 threads, use the Intel Socket 1700, are built on the 10 nm Alder Lake-S architecture, and have a die size of 163 mm². The cache configuration is the same (80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, 12 MB shared L3), as is memory support (DDR4, DDR5 dual-channel) and PCIe configuration (Gen 5, 20 lanes). Both include UHD Graphics 730, have a locked multiplier, and are listed as Active in production status. The only other difference is the part number and the launch MSRP, with the i3-12300T being the lower-priced, lower-power option.