H2H

Intel Core i9-12900 vs Intel Core 3 201TE

Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks

Aggregate performance score

We've compared Core i9-12900 and Core 3 201TE across specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Core i9-12900 outperforms Core 3 201TE by 151% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+151%

Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.
QUICK COMPARISON ANALYSIS

Intel Core i9-12900 vs Intel Core 3 201TE: key takeaway

The comparison of Core i9-12900 and Core 3 201TE shows a 144% advantage for Core i9-12900 in gaming performance, while Core 3 201TE may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.

SUMMARY PROFILE

Verified-metrics radar

Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.

H2H
Performance
Single-core
Multi-core
L3 cache
Efficiency
Performance
229
Single-core
8577
Multi-core
5315
L3 cache
10
Efficiency
1411
Missing values are never replaced with zero or an average.Model: H2H 2026.07 fixed scale.
COMPARISON RESULT

Core i9-12900 is the best overall choice

Core i9-12900 leads in overall performance, while Core i9-12900 offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.

PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE122%

Core i9-12900 leads in the combined performance index

PRICE DIFFERENCE$87

Core 3 201TE costs less

OVERALL SCORE

Overview

Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.

The Summary score section compares Core i9-12900 and Core 3 201TE with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

CategoryCore i9-12900Core 3 201TE
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
22Better
9
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
22Better
13
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
20Better
10
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
14Better
11
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
20Better
9
FULL COMPARISON

Specifications

The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.

The Specifications section compares Core i9-12900 and Core 3 201TE with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationCore i9-12900Core 3 201TE
Release date2021
Device classDesktopDesktop
PassMark34337Better13699
PBP / MTP65 / 202 WBetter45 / 106 W
SocketLGA1700LGA1700
Cores / Threads8P+8E / 24Better4P / 8
ArchitectureAlder LakeBartlett Lake
Clock speedP 2,4 - 5,1 GHz / E 1,8 - 3,8 GHzP 2,9 - 4,6 GHz /Better
Base clock2400 MHz2900 MHzBetter
Boost clock5100 MHzBetter4600 MHz
L1 cache80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-core80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-core
L2 cache1.25 MB per P-core, 2 MB per E-core cluster2 MB per P-core, 4 MB per E-core clusterBetter
L3 cache30 MBBetter12 MB
Integrated graphicsUHD 770 1,55 GHzBetterUHD 730 1,55 GHz
Power consumption65 / 202 W45 / 106 WBetter
Process node10 nm (Intel 7)10 nm (Intel 7)
Memory supportDDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H workload indices

Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.

The Benchmarks section compares Core i9-12900 and Core 3 201TE with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexCore i9-12900Core 3 201TEDifference
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100857710%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 1005315112%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100553156%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 1004212111%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H AI workload indices

Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.

The Detailed comparison section compares Core i9-12900 and Core 3 201TE with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexCore i9-12900Core 3 201TEDifference
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 10016691%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 10017783%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 10013589%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 10018788%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 10017783%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD

Explain this comparison

Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.

Device ACore i9-1290020
Device BCore 3 201TE9
What AI will explain

Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.

REAL CONFIGURATIONS

Owner experiences

Real builds, results, and community feedback.

Moderator reviewedHelpful to the community🏅Expert badges
FAQ · CHOOSE BY USE CASE

Frequently asked comparison questions

Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.

01Which is better for gaming: Core i9-12900 or Core 3 201TE?

Core i9-12900 has the higher overall gaming score, while Core i9-12900 offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.

02Which is better for streaming?

Core i9-12900 is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.

03Which is better for Blender?

Core i9-12900 is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.

04Which is better for video editing?

Core i9-12900 offers more overall performance, while Core i9-12900 offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.

05Which is better for neural networks and AI?

Core i9-12900 is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.

06Which is better for 1080p?

Core i9-12900 is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.

07Which is better for 1440p?

Core i9-12900 leads in combined 1440p performance. Core i9-12900 can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.

08Which is better for 4K?

Core i9-12900 is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.

09Which is better for a quiet PC?

Core i9-12900 is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.

10Which is better without replacing the power supply?

Core i9-12900 is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.

11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?

Consider upgrading to Core i9-12900 if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.