Intel Core i5-12600 vs. i3-12100 for Gaming?

Any advice on choosing the best CPU for gaming between the Intel Core i5-12600 and the i3-12100? I've been considering these two for my new build.

I recently built a PC with the i5-12600, and it has served me well. The additional performance cores really make a difference in gaming, especially when playing fast-paced games like Overwatch. Plus, the support for PCIe 5.0 is great for fast SSDs and graphics cards.

That's interesting! I was leaning more towards the i3-12100 because of its lower price point, but now I'm curious about the performance difference between them.

I've used both, and I must say that the i5-12600 is superior for gaming. The higher core count and turbo frequency make a noticeable impact in-game. It's worth spending a bit more to get the better CPU if you can afford it.

For what it's worth, I did a deep dive into this topic on TechReviewer Intel Core i5-12600 vs. Intel Core i3-12100. They compared the two CPUs extensively, and their conclusion was that the i5-12600 provides better gaming performance due to its higher core count and support for PCIe 5.0.

@AstroColton Thanks for sharing that link! It's really helpful to see a detailed comparison like that. So, it seems like the extra cores and PCIe 5.0 support on the i5-12600 make it a better choice for gaming. I'll keep that in mind while making my decision.

It's also worth considering the future proofing aspect of having more cores. As games continue to evolve, they might demand even more from our CPUs. Having extra cores now could be beneficial down the line.

That's a good point, @lunapopdrop. I'll definitely keep that in mind as well. So, it seems like the i5-12600 is the better option for gaming, but I still have to think about my budget constraints.

I completely understand, @SmokinActuary. It's always a balancing act between performance and cost. Just make sure you're comfortable with your decision, whatever it may be. The most important thing is that you enjoy building your PC and playing games on it.

@billyshpilkis Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely sleep on it and see which option feels right. If I go with the i5-12600, I hope I won't regret spending a bit more.

Good luck with your decision, @Negeerbeer. Remember that even though we might have some opinions, it ultimately comes down to what you feel comfortable with.