Best Intel Core i3 CPU Processors of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2025

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Intel Core i3 CPU processors are a popular choice for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability. These processors are designed with two or four cores to handle everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming video. They offer a clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz and support for up to 64 GB of DDR4 memory. These processors also feature Intel's Hyper-Threading technology, which allows for better multitasking performance. Overall, the Intel Core i3 CPU processors are an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective option for their computing needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

INTEL CORE I3-12100F CPU PROCESSOR Cover #TOP 1
INTEL CORE I3-12100F CPU PROCESSOR
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Intel Core i3 12th Gen i3-12100 Cover #TOP 2
Intel Core i3 12th Gen i3-12100
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Intel Core i3-14100 Processor Cover #TOP 3
Intel Core i3-14100 Processor
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Intel Core i3 CPU Processors

#TOP 1

INTEL CORE I3-12100F CPU PROCESSOR

BX8071512100F
INTEL CORE I3-12100F CPU PROCESSOR Cover
Intel® Core™ 12th Gen i3-12100F desktop processor, featuring PCIe Gen 5.0 & 4.0 support, DDR5 and DDR4 support. Discrete graphics required.

The INTEL CORE I3-12100F CPU PROCESSOR is a 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i3 desktop processor that is optimized for productivity. It features PCIe Gen 5.0 & 4.0 support, DDR5 and DDR4 support, and requires discrete graphics. The processor has a base power of 58W and comes with an Intel® Laminar RM1. It is compatible with 600 series chipset based motherboards and has a CPU speed of 2.5 GHz.

What We Like
Strong performance for the price
Cooler included, no need to buy
Good for budget builds
Handles modern games well
Supports modern features
What We Don't Like
Stock fan can be noisy
Quad-core may limit streaming
#TOP 2

Intel Core i3 12th Gen i3-12100

BX8071512100
1.8"x1.8"
Intel Core i3 12th Gen i3-12100 Cover
Intel Core i3 (12th Gen) i3-12100 Quad-core (4 Core) 3.30 GHz Processor - Retail Pack, Blue

The Intel Core i3 12th Gen i3-12100 is a powerful quad-core processor that offers high performance for demanding applications at an affordable price. It has 12 MB of L3 cache, Intel UHD Graphics 730 controller, and supports up to 4 monitors. Customers have praised its speed, affordability, and performance for basic productive work, light to medium gaming, and even AI-based detection. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a cost-effective processor.

What We Like
Solid quad-core performance
Energy efficient
Great for home/office tasks
Affordable option
Integrated graphics available
What We Don't Like
Marginal gaming performance
Limited by core frequency
#TOP 3

Intel Core i3-14100 Processor

BX8071514100
Silver
Intel Core i3-14100 Processor Cover
Intel Core i3-14100 Desktop Processor 4 cores (4 P-cores + 0 E-cores) up to 4.7 GHz

The Intel i3-14100 CPU features four powerful cores and eight threads, making it ideal for multitasking and demanding applications. With a maximum speed of up to 4.7 GHz, you can expect smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It also includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730, providing decent visuals without needing a separate graphics card. Additionally, this processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of motherboards, so you can easily upgrade your system or build a new one.

What We Like
Fast performance
Good graphics capabilities
Cool operation
Affordable upgrade option
Improved FPS in gaming
What We Don't Like
Mounting mechanism needs improvement
Insufficient thermal paste included
#TOP 4

Intel Core i3-12100F Processor

BX8071512100F
silver
Unica
Intel Core i3-12100F Processor Cover
Intel Core i3-12100F 12th Generation Desktop Processor (Base Clock: 3.3GHz, 4 Cores, LGA1700, RAM DDR4 and DDR5 up to 128GB) BX8071512100F

The Intel i3-12100F is a powerful 12th generation desktop processor designed to enhance your computing experience. It features an LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with the latest motherboards. With a base clock speed of 3.3GHz and a turbo boost capability of up to 4.3GHz, this processor provides the speed needed for multitasking and demanding applications. Its quad-core design and eight threads allow for efficient processing, making it ideal for both everyday tasks and more intensive workloads. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or working, this processor delivers reliable performance.

What We Like
Affordable price
Good performance for gaming
Quiet operation
Great for budget builds
Compatible with older systems
What We Don't Like
Limited integrated graphics
#TOP 5

Intel Core i3-14100F Processor

14100F
Silver
Intel Core i3-14100F Processor Cover
Intel Core i3-14100F Desktop Processor 4 cores (4 P-cores + 0 E-cores) up to 4.7 GHz

The Intel Core i3 Processor is a powerful choice for your desktop needs. With four performance cores and eight threads, it efficiently manages tasks, ensuring smooth performance for everyday computing. It boasts speeds of up to 4.7 GHz, providing the speed you need for demanding applications. The 12MB cache enhances data retrieval, making your system more responsive. Additionally, it is compatible with both Intel 600-series and 700-series motherboards, allowing for flexibility in upgrades. With support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, you can enjoy faster data transfer and improved memory performance.

What We Like
Great price-to-performance ratio
Good for gaming and office tasks
High clock speeds
Quick delivery
Effective cooling solution
What We Don't Like
Limited to 4 cores
Compatibility issues with some motherboards
#TOP 6

Intel Core i3-12100 Processor

BX8071512100
black / black
Intel Core i3-12100 Processor Cover
Intel Core i3-12100 Alder Lake CPU LGA 1700 3.3 GHz Quad-Core 60W 12MB Cache Desktop Processor

The Intel i3-12100 CPU is a powerful desktop processor designed for efficiency and speed. With four cores operating at a base frequency of 3.3 GHz, it can boost up to 4.3 GHz, making it ideal for multitasking and demanding applications. The 12MB cache helps enhance the processor's performance, allowing for quicker data access and improved responsiveness. Operating at just 60W, it is energy-efficient, which means you can enjoy high performance without a significant increase in power consumption. This processor is perfect for users looking for a reliable and efficient computing experience.

What We Like
Stays cool during operation
Good for basic tasks
Affordable option
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for gaming
#TOP 7

Intel Core i3-10100 Desktop Processor

BX8070110100
Intel Core i3-10100 Desktop Processor Cover
Intel Core i3-10100 Desktop Processor 4 Cores up to 4.3 GHz LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series Chipset) 65W, Model Number: BX8070110100

The Intel Core i3-10100 Desktop Processor is a 10th Gen processor that is optimized for everyday computing. It comes with 4 cores and 8 threads, with a maximum speed of up to 4.3 GHz. This processor is compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards and supports Intel Optane Memory. It also comes with a cooler included in the box, making it a great value for its price.

What We Like
Good performance for the price
Fast boot time
Integrated graphics capabilities
Stable with various hardware
Easy installation
What We Don't Like
LAN driver needs upgrading
Overkill RAM speed
#TOP 8

Intel Core i3-13100F Desktop Processor

BX8071513100F
Intel Core i3-13100F Desktop Processor Cover
Intel i3-13100F Desktop Processor - 4 Cores, 12MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz

The Intel Core i3-13100F Desktop Processor is a powerful CPU with 4 cores and 8 threads, capable of reaching speeds up to 4.5 GHz. Its performance hybrid architecture optimizes workloads for maximum efficiency, making it a great choice for productivity-focused users. This processor is compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards, and features Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support, and Intel Optane Memory support. The Intel Laminar RH1 Cooler is included, but discrete graphics are required.

What We Like
Great performance for the price
Solid for mid-budget gaming
Easy installation with pre-applied thermal paste
Handles intense workloads well
Compatible with various builds
What We Don't Like
Stock cooler can be noisy
Thermals could be better
#TOP 9

Intel Core i3-9100F Processor: A Powerful CPU for Productivity

i3-9100F
Intel Core i3-9100F Processor: A Powerful CPU for Productivity Cover
Intel Core i3-9100F Desktop Processor 4 Core Up to 4.2 GHz without Processor Graphics LGA1151 300 Series 65W

The Intel Core i3-9100F Processor is a powerful CPU that offers mainstream performance for exceptional overall productivity. With 4 cores and 4 threads, it can reach up to 4.2 GHz and has a total storage size of 512 GB. It requires discrete graphics and is compatible with Intel 300 Series chipset based motherboards. A bios update may be required for motherboard compatibility. The thermal solution is included in the box, making it easy to install.

What We Like
Great price-to-performance ratio
Strong gaming performance
Quiet and low power consumption
Decent for budget VR setups
Single-core performance is excellent
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for multitasking
Limited overclocking options
#TOP 10

Intel Core i3-10100 CPU Processor

BX8070110100
Intel Core i3-10100 CPU Processor Cover
Intel Core I3-10100 Processor, 3.6GHz LGA 1200 BX8070110100 *

The Intel Core i3-10100 CPU Processor features a base clock of 3.6GHz with TurboBoost up to 4.1GHz, a socket LGA1200, and an Intel 400 Series Chipset. Designed for desktops, this CPU Processor is perfect for daily use, such as web browsing, office work, and light gaming. The processor also supports up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM, making it suitable for multitasking and high workload environments.

What We Like
Compatible with Biostar TZ590-BTC
Impressive performance for price
Runs cool under high load
Great for gaming with GTX 1650
Efficient for regular tasks
What We Don't Like
Confusing product title
Some missing expectations
Buying Guide Image

Find Your Fit: How to Buy the Right Intel Core i3 CPU Processors

The Intel Core i3 is a line of mid-range processors that are known for their excellent performance and efficiency. These CPUs are perfect for everyday computing tasks, such as web browsing, streaming, and basic photo editing.

Features of Intel Core i3 CPUs

  • High-performance: The Intel Core i3 CPUs are designed to handle everyday computing tasks with ease. They offer fast processing speeds and smooth multitasking capabilities.
  • Energy-efficient: The Core i3 CPUs are designed to be energy-efficient, which means they use less power and produce less heat than other CPUs. This makes them perfect for use in laptops and other portable devices.
  • Hyper-threading technology: The Core i3 CPUs come with Intel's hyper-threading technology, which allows them to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, resulting in improved performance and faster speeds.

Choosing the right Intel Core i3 CPU for your needs

When choosing an Intel Core i3 CPU, there are several factors to consider.

  • Clock speed: The clock speed of a CPU determines how quickly it can process data. A higher clock speed means the CPU can handle more tasks at once, resulting in improved performance.
  • Cache size: The cache size of a CPU determines how much data it can store in its memory, which can affect its performance. A larger cache size can improve the CPU's speed and efficiency.
  • Number of cores: The number of cores in a CPU determines how many tasks it can handle at once. A CPU with more cores will be able to handle more tasks simultaneously, resulting in improved performance.
  • Thermal design power (TDP): The TDP of a CPU determines how much heat it produces. A lower TDP means the CPU will use less power and generate less heat, which is important for use in laptops and other portable devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Intel Core i3 CPUs are a great choice for everyday computing tasks. They offer fast processing speeds, smooth multitasking capabilities, and energy-efficient designs. When choosing a Core i3 CPU, consider factors such as clock speed, cache size, number of cores, and TDP to find the right one for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is i3 processor outdated?

No, Intel Core i3 CPUs are not considered outdated. While they may not have the same capabilities as higher-end processors, i3 CPUs still have their use cases and can excel in certain areas.

2. Is Intel Core i3 or i7 better?

In general, Intel Core i7 CPUs are considered better than Core i3 CPUs. Core i7 CPUs provide higher performance and capabilities compared to Core i3 CPUs. However, the specific performance and capabilities can vary depending on the models and generations of the processors.

3. Is Intel i3 being phased out?

Intel has recently discontinued some 11th Generation Tiger Lake mobile processors, including certain SKUs from the Core i3 lineup. However, this does not mean that all Intel i3 processors are being phased out. The discontinuation mainly applies to specific models launched between 2020 and 2021.

4. What is the difference between Core i3 and Core i5?

The main difference between Intel Core i3 and Core i5 processors is in their capabilities and performance. Core i5 processors are generally more capable and offer better performance compared to Core i3 processors. They are a better choice for tasks like media creation, gaming, and multitasking. However, Core i3 processors are more affordable and still provide decent performance for everyday computing needs.

Editor's Notes

During our intel core i3 cpu processor research, we found 24 intel core i3 cpu processor products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 37,072 customer reviews through our big data system to write the intel core i3 cpu processors list. We found that most customers choose intel core i3 cpu processors with an average price of $98.53.

The intel core i3 cpu processors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of intel core i3 cpu processors, including Intel and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Intel Core i3 CPU Processors Comparison Table

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Brand Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel
CPU Manufacturer Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel
CPU Model Intel Core i3 Core i3 Core i3 Core i3 Core i3 Intel Core i3 Core i3 Core i3 Core i3 Core i3
CPU Speed 2.5 3 4.7 GHz 3.3 GHz 4.7 GHz 3.8 3.6 GHz 4.5 3.6 GHz 3.6 GHz
CPU Socket LGA 1700 LGA 1700 PGA LGA1700 LGA 1700 FC-LGA16A LGA 1700 LGA 1200 LGA 1151 LGA 1151 LGA 1200
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.5
ftb score rating icon 8.5
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