| Pros | Cons |
| + Best budget price/performance | – No integrated graphics |
| + PCIe 5.0 | – Not overclockable |
| + Supports DDR4 and DDR5 | |
| + Comes with a good bundled cooler |
Ah, the Intel Core i3-12100F. Intel’s best CPU for the budget category. Where to start?
If you’re considering this beauty to pair with a lower mainstream GPU (up to a RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT), you score an A+ for doing your homework. Pat yourself on the back and fire it up, cause you’re in for a real treat.
If you’re looking for a great budget CPU that can do up to 120Hz refresh rate with the above-mentioned GPUs at FHD High settings, yes it is a good combination. This is only true if you’re doing casual gaming, simple tasks and web browsing. However, if you’re looking to do lots of multi-tasking, photo or video editing, consider investing into at least the mainstream CPU category (6 cores) or enthusiast CPU category (8 cores) if you do video encoding or 3D rendering.
At this time of writing (3rd January 2025), you can get the boxed version brand new for under RM350. On particular sale days, it might sweeten the deal further.
See you when I see you.
