FPSVersusApple M2 vs Core i3-12100
Performance score
Apple M2 and Core i3-12100 are almost equally fast (under 3% apart) — choose by price, socket and platform.
The score is our own estimate from the specs (cores, threads, clocks, architecture generation), not a benchmark run. 100 = the fastest CPU in our database.
Real tests
What the test measures
Blender is a popular free 3D graphics program. The test makes the device render three ready-made 3D scenes (light, shadows, reflections) and counts how many render passes it finishes per minute. The higher the number, the faster the device handles heavy work: 3D, video editing, photo processing. On a CPU the test loads all cores at once, so it shows the chip's full power; on a graphics card it shows its compute strength.
Median of real test runs on users' computers. It does not show FPS in games. Data updated: 31.10.2026.
Overview
| Apple M2 | Core i3-12100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score (0–100) | 25.33 | 25.88 |
| Ranking position | 373 | 363 |
| Power efficiency (0–100) | no data | 22.54 |
| Type | Laptop | Desktop |
| Manufacturer | Apple | Intel |
| Architecture | Apple M2 (Avalanche / Blizzard) | Alder Lake |
| Release date | Q2 2022 | Q1 2022 |
Specifications
| Apple M2 | Core i3-12100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 8 |
| P + E cores | 4 + 4 | no data |
| Boost clock | 3.49 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
| L3 cache | no data | 12 MB |
| Process node | no data | Intel 7 |
| Unlocked multiplier | no | no |
| Integrated graphics | no | Intel UHD Graphics 730 |
| NPU (AI accelerator) | no | no |
Compatibility
| Apple M2 | Core i3-12100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | no data | LGA1700 |
| TDP | no data | 60 W |
Memory and PCI Express
| Apple M2 | Core i3-12100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | no data | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Memory channels | no data | 2 |
| Max memory | no data | 128 GB |
| PCI Express version | no data | 5.0 |
| PCIe lanes | no data | 20 |
Pros and cons
Apple M2
- more cores: 8 vs 4
Core i3-12100
- has integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 730)
Other comparisons
Preliminary data: specs are still being checked against the manufacturer's website.
Visitor rating
Questions and comments
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