Intel Core i3-14100T vs Intel Core i5-12450H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a clear split between these two processors, with the mobile Intel Core i5-12450H winning 12 of the 17 recorded head-to-head tests, while the desktop Intel Core i3-14100T takes 5 wins. The margins tell a more nuanced story than the raw win count suggests.

The i5-12450H dominates in most multi-threaded and throughput-oriented workloads. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 1350 against 1170 for the i3-14100T, a 13.3% advantage. The gap widens in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the i5 reaches 5671 versus 4877, a 14% lead. PassMark integer math shows the i5 at 54782 compared to 40292, a substantial 26.5% edge. Floating-point math follows a similar pattern, with the i5 scoring 40568 against 31379, a 22.7% margin. Data compression favors the i5 heavily at 195132 versus 152636, a 21.8% difference, while data encryption shows a 27.2% gap (10832 against 7881). Random string sorting also goes to the i5, 20838 versus 15579, a 25.2% advantage. The overall PassMark multi-thread score lands at 16265 for the i5 versus 13662 for the i3, a 16% lead.

However, the i3-14100T posts a surprising reversal in Cinebench R23 multi-core, scoring 11612 against 8822.5 for the i5, a 31.6% victory. This result is striking given the i5's wins in earlier Cinebench versions. The i3 also takes PassMark find prime numbers with 56 versus 46, a 21.7% margin, and PassMark physics at 973 versus 883, a 10.2% edge. Single-threaded PassMark scores favor the i3 at 3498 against 3306, a 5.8% advantage.

Cinebench R15 single-core shows an unusual outcome, with the i5 scoring 238 versus 165 for the i3, a 30.7% margin. The i5 also leads in Cinebench R20 single-core, 800 against 688, a 14% gap. Cinebench R23 single-core is nearly tied, with the i5 at 1661 and the i3 at 1639, a slim 1.3% difference. PassMark extended instructions favor the i5, 11992 versus 10414, a 13.2% margin.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The i3-14100T holds a higher average benchmark score at 17648, compared to 17239 for the i5-12450H. Both sit at the 71st percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Q: How does the i3-14100T compare to its nearest rivals in average score?

A: The i3-14100T is essentially tied with the Intel Core i3-13100F (17653, 0% delta) and the Intel Core i7-1255U (17656, 0% delta). It sits 0.2% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 3 8300GE (17614) and 0.3% behind the AMD EPYC 9374F (17693).

Q: What are the closest competitors to the i5-12450H by average score?

A: The i5-12450H is 0.2% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 8300G (17278), 0.4% ahead of the Intel Core i5-11400F (17177), 0.5% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 3 210 (17321), and 0.5% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 (17333).

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core, and by how much?

A: The i3-14100T wins decisively, scoring 11612 against 8822.5 for the i5-12450H, a 31.6% advantage. This is the largest single-test margin in the head-to-head data.

Q: Which processor leads in PassMark single-thread performance?

A: The i3-14100T leads with a score of 3498, which is 5.8% higher than the i5-12450H's 3306. Both tests (passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread) record identical scores for each processor.

Q: How do the two processors compare in Cinebench R23 single-core?

A: They are nearly identical. The i5-12450H scores 1661, while the i3-14100T scores 1639, a difference of only 1.3% in favor of the i5.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and target different market segments. The i3-14100T is a Raptor Lake-R desktop part, part of the Core 14th Gen series, built on a 10 nm process with a die size of 163 mm². The i5-12450H is an Alder Lake-H mobile part from the Core 12th Gen series, also on a 10 nm process but with a larger die size of 217 mm². Both use the same L1 cache configuration at 80 KB per core and L2 cache at 1.25 MB per core, with a shared 12 MB L3 cache. The foundry for both is Intel.

Core counts differ significantly. The i3-14100T has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i5-12450H has 8 cores and 12 threads. This thread count difference reflects the i5's hybrid architecture, which combines performance and efficiency cores, a design detail not present in the i3's uniform core layout. The i3 runs at a base clock of 2.70 GHz, while the i5's base clock is recorded as 2000.00 MHz (2.00 GHz). Both boost to 4.40 GHz.

Memory support is identical in type, with both supporting DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel configuration. The i3-14100T supports ECC memory, while the i5-12450H does not. PCIe capabilities differ: the i3 offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i5 offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics also differ, with the i3 featuring UHD Graphics 730 and the i5 featuring a generic UHD Graphics solution.

The socket types are completely different. The i3 uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop platform, while the i5 uses Intel BGA 1744, a mobile platform. This means the two processors are not physically interchangeable, and each is tied to its respective market segment.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-14100T | Intel Core i5-12450H |

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

| Cores | 4 | 8 |

| Threads | 8 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 2000.00 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.40 GHz | 4.40 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 1744 |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Alder Lake |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-R | Alder Lake-H |

| Generation | Core i3 (Raptor Lake Refresh) | Core i5 (Alder Lake-H) |

| Die Size | 163 mm² | 217 mm² |

| ECC Memory | True | False |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | UHD Graphics |

| Release Date | 2024-01-07 | None recorded |

The i3-14100T has a launch MSRP of $134. The i5-12450H has no recorded launch MSRP. Both are active production parts, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The part numbers differ (SRMX0 for the i3, SRLCX for the i5). Both processors share the same L3 cache size (12 MB shared), the same L1 and L2 per-core caches, dual-channel memory support, and DDR4/DDR5 memory compatibility.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-12450H is the clear winner for throughput-heavy workloads that scale with core count and thread count. Its 8 cores and 12 threads give it a structural advantage in tasks like data compression, encryption, integer math, floating-point math, and random string sorting, where it leads by margins ranging from 13.2% to 27.2%. The Cinebench R15 and R20 multi-core tests also favor the i5, with 13.3% and 14% leads respectively. For users running heavily parallel workloads such as video encoding, database operations, or multi-threaded productivity suites, the i5's additional cores translate directly into higher performance.

The i3-14100T wins in a more scattered set of tests. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core victory by 31.6% is the most notable, suggesting that the R23 workload responds favorably to the i3's architecture or clock behavior in ways that earlier Cinebench versions do not. The i3 also takes PassMark find prime numbers (21.7% lead), PassMark physics (10.2% lead), and PassMark single-thread (5.8% lead). The physics win is interesting, as it suggests the i3 handles certain simulation or game-related physics calculations more efficiently despite having fewer cores. For single-threaded responsiveness, the i3's 3498 PassMark score indicates slightly better per-thread performance, which can matter in lightly threaded applications or older software that does not scale across cores.

The i5's wins in both R15 and R20 single-core tests (30.7% and 14% margins) complicate the picture, however. The R23 single-core result shows near-parity, with the i5 ahead by just 1.3%. This inconsistency across Cinebench versions suggests that the two processors trade blows depending on the specific workload characteristics.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split based on use case. The i5-12450H is the stronger choice for multi-threaded, throughput-oriented tasks, winning 12 of 17 head-to-head tests and posting substantial margins in data compression, encryption, integer math, and floating-point math. Its 8 cores and 12 threads give it a structural edge that shows up consistently across PassMark workloads and earlier Cinebench versions. For users who prioritize parallel processing, the i5 is the data-backed pick.

The i3-14100T, despite having fewer cores, demonstrates notable strengths in specific workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score is dramatically higher, its PassMark physics score is better, and it leads in single-thread PassMark performance. The i3 also holds a higher average benchmark score (17648 versus 17239), even though both sit at the same 71st percentile. For users who value per-thread efficiency, certain physics-based tasks, or the specific Cinebench R23 workload, the i3 offers a compelling alternative.

The socket situation is a decisive practical factor. The i3-14100T is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1700, while the i5-12450H is a mobile part on Intel BGA 1744. These are not interchangeable platforms, so the choice is largely dictated by whether the target system is a desktop or laptop. The i3's ECC memory support and PCIe Gen 5 connectivity may matter for workstation users, while the i5's lower base clock and mobile form factor suit portable systems.

Ultimately, the data suggests that the i5-12450H is the better all-around performer for multi-threaded workloads, while the i3-14100T offers specific advantages in single-threaded tasks and certain niche benchmarks. The choice should hinge on the target platform and the specific workload mix, with the i5's core count making it the safer bet for general productivity and the i3 winning where per-core efficiency or ECC support are priorities.