Intel Core i3-12100 vs. i7-9700 for Gaming?

Started by narimasu on July 10, 2024

Hey, I'm thinking of getting a new CPU and have narrowed it down to the Intel Core i3-12100 or the i7-9700. Any suggestions on which one is better for gaming?

Solved by Norfolkanchance in post #4
Yes, there's an article on TechReviewer that compares the two CPUs in detail. It might be useful for you Intel Core i3-12100 vs. Intel Core i7-9700. The i7-9700 has an 8-core architecture and a higher single-core max turbo boost frequency of 4.70 GHz compared to the i3-12100's 4.30 GHz. Additionally, the i7-9700 supports PCIe 3.0 while the i3-12100 supports PCIe 5.0.

In my experience, it really depends on your budget and specific needs. If you're looking for a more affordable option with decent performance, the i3-12100 should be fine. But if you want top-notch performance and are willing to spend more, the i7-9700 is the better choice.

That's helpful, thanks. I guess I need some more information on their specifications. Has anyone done a comparison between them?

Yes, there's an article on TechReviewer that compares the two CPUs in detail. It might be useful for you Intel Core i3-12100 vs. Intel Core i7-9700. The i7-9700 has an 8-core architecture and a higher single-core max turbo boost frequency of 4.70 GHz compared to the i3-12100's 4.30 GHz. Additionally, the i7-9700 supports PCIe 3.0 while the i3-12100 supports PCIe 5.0.

Solution

Thanks for the link! So it seems like the i7-9700 has a higher single-core max turbo boost frequency and better architecture. Does this mean it would always perform better in gaming?

Not necessarily. While the i7-9700 might have an edge in raw performance, the difference between the two CPUs may not be significant enough to justify the higher price for most gamers. It's important to consider factors like your budget and the specific games you'll be playing.

I've been using the i3-12100 for a while now, and it works fine for my casual gaming needs. I also save money on cooling and power consumption, which is a plus. If you're not planning to run high-end, resource-intensive games, the i3-12100 should be sufficient.

That's good to know! So in conclusion, both CPUs have their pros and cons. The i7-9700 might offer better performance for certain scenarios, but the i3-12100 is more affordable and efficient. I'll think about it some more before making a decision.

Absolutely, take your time and consider your specific needs and budget. Good luck with your decision!