The Intel Core i3-12100 is a low-cost CPU with solid performance for the cost. It is an excellent choice for budget gamers and casual users looking for a powerful PC without breaking the bank. The optimal GPU for the i3-12100 is dependent on your budget and the intended use of your computer. If you want the maximum gaming performance possible, you’ll need to spend a bit more on a higher-end GPU.
However, if you are simply looking for a decent all-around GPU that will deliver excellent gaming performance, there really are many mid-range GPUs that will work perfectly with the i3-12100. We’ll suggest the best GPUs for the i3-12100 and guide you in choosing which one is perfect for you.
When it comes to choosing the best GPU to pair with your i3-12100 CPU, there are several options to consider, each with its own set of advantages. Let’s take a closer look at the top GPU choices and their key features in the table below:
GPU | Performance (1080p/1440p) | Bottleneck Risk |
---|---|---|
GTX 1650 Super | Great at 1080p | Low |
Intel Arc A750 | Impressive 1080p/1440p | Low |
RTX 3060 | Outstanding 1080p/Decent 1440p | Moderate |
Related: Top 5 Best GPU for i3-10105
Also, if you’re looking for a GPU for an i3-12100F, then our other article will definitely help you.
What is the best GPU for i3-12100?
1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
Memory Size [VRAM] | 4 GB |
Clock | 1530 MHz – 1725 MHz |
Process Size | 12 nm |
TDP | 100 W |
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a great option for those who are on a tight budget but still want excellent performance in their gaming experience. When paired with an i3-12100, it allows you to play most games at 1080p with medium to high graphics settings.
This GPU comes equipped with a memory size of 4GB VRAM and a clock speed range of 1530 MHz – 1725 MHz. With a process size of 12nm and a TDP of 100W, the GTX 1650 Super is both powerful and energy-efficient.
If you’re into playing games at 1080p resolution, the GTX 1650 Super does a good job. When you team it up with the i3-12100, it can handle most modern games without a problem. You can play games with medium to high graphics settings, which means they’ll look pretty good without spending too much money.
How It Performs in Games
Let’s see how well the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super does with some popular games:
Cyberpunk 2077: With the right settings, the GTX 1650 Super can keep the game running at around 40-45 frames per second (FPS) in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p. That means it can handle demanding, good-looking games.
Fortnite: If you love playing Fortnite, this GPU can run the game at over 100 FPS on high settings. That means the game will run very smoothly, which is important for competitive play.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Exploring the beautiful world of The Witcher 3 is a lot of fun on the GTX 1650 Super. It keeps the game running at a steady 60 FPS on medium to high settings, which makes the game look great and feel smooth.
Apex Legends: For fast and intense battles in Apex Legends, this GPU is up to the task. It delivers an impressive 80-90 FPS on high settings, making sure you can react quickly and win matches.
In short, if you’re looking for an affordable GPU to pair with your i3-12100 for 1080p gaming, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is definitely worth considering. It can handle 1080p gaming well and works nicely with a variety of games. Whether you’re exploring the future in Cyberpunk 2077 or competing in Fortnite, the GTX 1650 Super is a good choice for enjoying games without spending too much money.
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2. Intel Arc A750
Memory Size | 8 GB |
Clock | 2050 MHz – 2400 MHz |
Process Size | 6 nm |
TDP | 225 W |
If you’re looking for a GPU that offers great performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming and has excellent ray tracing capabilities without breaking the bank, the Intel Arc A750 is an excellent choice. With its 8 GB of GDDR6 memory, this GPU boasts a clock speed of 2050 MHz – 2400 MHz, and a 6 nm process size, it delivers exceptional performance for a budget GPU.
To give you a taste of what the Intel Arc A750 is capable of, here are some gaming benchmarks:
Control: With ray tracing enabled, the Arc A750 maintains a playable frame rate of around 50-55 FPS at 1080p, showcasing its ability to handle demanding visual effects.
Cyberpunk 2077: This GPU continues to impress by delivering a smooth 60 FPS at 1440p with ray tracing set to medium, allowing you to explore Night City in all its glory.
Battlefield V: The Arc A750 offers an immersive experience in Battlefield V, pushing the frame rate to a steady 80-85 FPS at 1080p with ray tracing turned on.
Minecraft with RTX: For fans of blocky adventures, this GPU provides an enjoyable experience in Minecraft with RTX enabled, delivering around 70-75 FPS at 1080p.
Overall, If you’re looking for a GPU that delivers great performance for 1080p,1440p gaming, and even good ray tracing, the Intel Arc A750 is the best choice.
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3. Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
Memory Size | 12 GB |
Clock | 1320 MHz – 1777 MHz |
Process Size | 8 nm |
TDP | 170 W |
If you’re looking for the best GPU to pair with your i3-12100, the GeForce RTX 3060 is the best GPU you can pair with it. The RTX 3060 performs great at 1080p and even 1440p resolution at high graphic settings. However, it’s important to note that if you plan to pair a more powerful GPU with your i3-12100, you may encounter performance limitations due to bottlenecks.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 comes equipped with a substantial 12GB of memory, ensuring ample space for game textures and multitasking. Operating within clock speeds ranging from 1320 MHz to 1777 MHz and built on an efficient 8nm process, this GPU strikes an excellent balance between power and energy efficiency, allowing for a smooth gaming experience without excessive power consumption.
The RTX 3060 excels in delivering outstanding performance, particularly at 1080p and 1440p resolutions with high graphic settings. Gamers can expect a smooth and visually appealing experience in a wide range of titles, whether it’s exploring vast open worlds or engaging in fast-paced first-person shooters.
In terms of gaming performance, the RTX 3060 excelled in titles like Fortnite and Overwatch, achieving an average frame rate of 120 fps at 1080p and 90 fps at 1440p. However, its ray tracing performance is only decent, achieving an average frame rate of 30 fps at 1080p and 25 fps at 1440p.
In conclusion, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 is the best choice for pairing with the i3-12100, offering a harmonious blend of performance and affordability.
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