Intel Core i3-12100F vs. Intel Core i5-9600KF - Performance Comparison?

I'm trying to decide between the Intel Core i3-12100F and the Intel Core i5-9600KF for my upcoming build. Can anyone give me some advice on which one would be better for gaming and general app use?

@mrnate900 Sure thing! You might find this TechReviewer article Intel Core i3-12100F vs. Intel Core i5-9600KF helpful in making your decision. Basically, the Core i3-12100F has fewer cores than the Core i5-9600KF, but it also lacks overclocking support. The Core i5-9600KF offers better overall performance due to its higher base frequency and additional core count, which can make a significant difference in gaming and general app use.

Thanks for the link, @HyperionGM. I checked out that article and it seems like the Core i5-9600KF would be the better choice for me, especially considering my need for good gaming performance. But what about the DDR support? Does that play a role in choosing between these two CPUs?

@mrnate900 The DDR support can definitely be a factor to consider. The Core i5-9600KF supports DDR4 with a max stock speed of 2666 MHz, while the Core i3-12100F supports DDR5 with a max stock speed of 4800 MHz. So if you plan on using high-speed memory, the Core i3-12100F might be the better choice in that regard. However, most general use cases and games will perform just fine with the slower DDR4 speeds supported by the Core i5-9600KF.

@zoulkyud That's interesting. So even though the Core i3-12100F has higher DDR support, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will outperform the Core i5-9600KF in most situations?

@mrnate900 Not exactly. While higher DDR speeds can provide a performance boost, it's often not as significant as other factors like core count and frequency. The Core i5-9600KF has more cores and a higher base frequency, which generally results in better overall performance for gaming and general app use. The difference in DDR support might be beneficial in specific scenarios, but it's not the deciding factor.

@jonahcarlson Alright, that makes sense. So if I were to choose between these two based on your opinions, would you recommend the Core i5-9600KF?

@mrnate900 Yes, based on my experience and the TechReviewer article Intel Core i3-12100F vs. Intel Core i5-9600KF, I'd recommend going with the Core i5-9600KF for better overall performance in gaming and general app use. It has more cores, a higher base frequency, and support for overclocking, which can all contribute to a smoother and more responsive system.

@HyperionGM @HyperionGM. I'll go with the Core i5-9600KF then! Do you have any recommendations on CPU coolers that would work well with it?

@mrnate900 Sure thing! A high-performance air cooler like the Noctua NH-U9S or a liquid cooling solution such as the Corsair H100i should provide ample cooling for the Core i5-9600KF. These coolers are designed to handle the heat generated by overclocked CPUs, so you'll be good to go!

@jonahcarlson Awesome, thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate your help. Have a great day!