Best Motherboard For Intel i3-12100F

Intel recently launched their 12^th generation processors under the code name ‘Alder Lake’, featuring their latest CPU lineup and providing phenomenal performance. Alongside the processor lineup, Intel also released their new chipset 600 series containing the Z690, H670, B660 and H610. The new chipset features the latest socket, the LGA1700, having a substantial increase in size compared to the LGA1200 socket, making it unique as you can’t plug in the Alder Lake processors in an old chipset now. The 12^th generation CPUs deliver outstanding performances and hit AMD CPUs as they gained market dominance with their 5000 series CPUs. Before moving towards the Best Motherboard for i3-12100F, let’s have a market analysis and discuss some of the 12100F specs.

Intel released their Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i9 processor lineups covering a vast price range and providing numerous performance wonders at each. Due to multiple chipsets supporting these motherboards, huge names like ASUS, MSI, GIGABYTE have introduced their motherboards in the market. This availability of different options in the space gives you an edge in selecting between all Motherboards for 12100F as you have many to choose from.

Well, don’t worry! We have compiled a list of the Best Motherboard for i3-12100F along with their unique qualities to make your life easier. But firstly, let’s look at the i3-12100F specifications and what makes it a competitive choice for budget gamers and productivity users.

Intel Core i3-12100F Specs Overview

Intel’s 12^th generation Alder Lake processors have an x86 hybrid architecture alongside P-Cores (Performance Cores) and E-Cores (Efficiency Cores) soldered on an improved Intel 7 Enhanced SuperFin 10nm process. The Alder Lake CPUs are pretty advanced as they contain DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support for faster data transfer speeds, improving the system performance steadily.

The i3-12100F consists of 4 total cores implying it’s a quadcore processor. Those 4 are P-Cores (Performance Cores) only as i3-12100F doesn’t have any Efficiency Cores. As for the total thread count, i3-12100F features 8 threads. The P-Core Base Frequency is 3.30GHz with a Max Turbo Frequency of 4.30GHz. i3-12100F has a 5MB L2 Cache and 12MB L3 Cache. The L3 cache helps in instruction processing, which increases the CPU performance.

Moreover, i3-12100F has a base power consumption (TDP) of 58W and a maximum turbo power consumption of 89W. It supports a maximum of 128GB RAM of DDR5 operating at a maximum of 4800MT/s or DDR4 at 3200MT/s. The processor’s maximum memory bandwidth is 76.8GB/s. i3-12100F CPU supports the DMI 4.0 version with a maximum of 8 DMI Lanes. The chipset compatibility also assists PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0. The processor supports various technologies like Intel DL Boost for better Deep Learning Algorithm optimization, Intel Hyper-Threading, and Intel Optane Memory.

Intel Core i3 12100F Specs

• Total Cores: 4
• Number of P-Cores (Performance-cores): 4
• Number of E-Cores (Efficient-cores): 0
• Total Threads: 8
• Max Turbo Frequency:30 GHz
• P-Core Max Turbo Frequency: 30 GHz
• P-Core Base Frequency:30 GHz
• L3-Cache: 12MB
• TDP: 58W
• Maximum Turbo Power: 89W

Best Motherboard for i3-12100F Detailed

Intel’s Core i3 processors have always attracted users on a budget as they delivered a punchy performance at an economical price point. They have been a treat for entry-level users who love experimenting with the newest generation of CPUs on assessing the performance of their ancestors.

However, a processor isn’t the only one to consider. Installing a good motherboard is vital for your processor to help function it the way you want. Choosing a robust processor alongside a substandard motherboard won’t enable you to push your CPU and cause power and crashing problems. Well, we’ve come up with a list of Good Motherboards for i3-12100F categorized under a specific category based on their traits along with their Pros, Cons, and Verdict. Let’s have a detailed analysis of motherboards individually.

Last update on 2023-03-28

GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4

Best Budget Motherboard For i3-12100F

Specifications = “Chipset: B660 Chipset | Form Factor: Micro ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 5333MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Storage: 2x M.2 Gen4 slots, 4x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 6x USB 3.2 Ports, 6x USB 2.0 Ports | Video Output: 1x D-Sub port, 1x DisplayPort 1.2 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Realtek 2.5GbE LAN, No Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support”]

Considering that i3-12100F isn’t that demanding processor like the i9-12900k, we have a fantastic addition in our list from the giant, Gigabyte, built to power up the CPU adequately and provide performance on a budget. GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 is an mATX (Micro ATX) motherboard with an attractive billboard look consisting of black and silver triangular strides.

Not only a smaller factor, but the motherboard packs a lot compared to the size. GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 is powered using the 6+2+1 Phases Hybrid Digital VRM consisting of MOS Heatsink. For the i3-12100F processor, 6+2+1 Phases Hybrid Digital VRM is a robust VRM to power the processor and provide clean and stable power, introducing efficiency in the system. The MOS Heatsink helps keep the MOSFET cooler and helps in better thermal performance. 8-pin solid pin power connectors also ensure clean power stability. As for keeping the M.2 temps in the safe limit, M.2 Thermal Guard helps keep low temps letting M.2 perform optimally.

GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 packs the assistance of a maximum of 128GB of DDR4 memory operating at 5333MHz with memory overclocking. Well, that’s a stunning operating frequency providing more incredible speeds and contributing to performance. However, ensure that you have Intel XMP enabled to achieve these faster speeds. This performance gain will be pretty advantageous to your i3-12100F to work with these speeds.

GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 comes with 2 M.2 Gen4 slots for NVMe SSD placements, helping you get rapid data transfer speeds. The SATA 6Gb/s slots cover you if you want to extend your storage. As for expansion, the motherboard supports PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for plugging your supported GPUs. PCIe 4.0 provides faster speeds being one of the latest PCIe interfaces.

As for I/O connectivity, GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 gets six USB 3.2 ports along with six USB 2.0 ports for plugging USB storage devices and peripheral devices. The motherboard supports the fastest USB interfaces like USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and USB 3.2 Gen 1 for faster connectivity speeds. GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 has no default Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support for wireless connections. However, as for wired connections, GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 supports Realtek 2.5GbE LAN for 2.5 times faster speeds than the standard Ethernet connections.

What do we like about the GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4?

GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 is an adequately powered motherboard with a 6+2+1 power stages Hybrid Digital VRM. The support for PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and x16 slot bring it into the limelight considering the mATX form factor.

What do we dislike about the GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4?

The motherboard doesn’t have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support and doesn’t come with DisplayPort 1.4 assistance which is common nowadays in other motherboards.

Verdict

GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4 is a well-built Motherboard combining looks, specs, and a B660 chipset at a reasonable price of around $120. The lack of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth hits it hard, but considering the whole package, it’s a great deal making it the Best Budget Motherboard For i3-12100F on our list.

MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4

Best Overall Motherboard For i3-12100F

Specifications = “Chipset: B660 Chipset | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 4800MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Storage: 3x M.2 Gen4 slots, 6x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 8x USB 3.2 Ports, 8x USB 2.0 Ports | Video Output: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Realtek 8125BG 2.5Gbps LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 module, Bluetooth 5.2”]

Well, no motherboard list is complete without an MSI motherboard in between as they ensure to bring some powerful stuff on the deck. For the Best i3-12100F Motherboard entry, we have MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4, an ATX motherboard with a usually loved black aesthetic design.

MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4 is quite powerful for juicing up the i3-12100F as it has a robust VRM. A 12+1+1 Duet Rail Power System VRM powers the motherboard effortlessly as it can easily power up the bigger CPUs of the bunch. This Duet Rail VRM is pretty heavy-duty, providing stable power to the CPU and other components. The VRM robustness implies that the 12100F users won’t have any issues with the power shortages or power cuts with their use. The motherboard gets its power from the two 8-pin Connectors and has a 2oz 6-layer PCB for slower thermal conductivity, helping it remain cooler.

Regarding the RAM support, MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4 supports a maximum of 128GB of DDR memory operating at 4800MHz. You get four DIMM slots to fit in 32GB RAM per module. MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4 has a fantastic storage setup packed in it with 3 M.2 slots used for NVMe SSDs providing whopping speeds. If you are storage aggressive, then the 6 SATA 3.0 slots will be enough to add further non-NVMe SSDs and HDDs.

You can utilize PCIe 4.0 interface for plugging in your GPU as you get PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. With eight USB 3.2 slots, you can use one of the latest and fastest USB interfaces for your USB sticks and peripheral devices like keyboards and mice, among others. Not only USB 3.2, but you also get a mix of Gen 1 and Gen 2 alongside different types of ports like Type-C and Type-A.

You can go in full wireless mode using Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth version 5.2. Whereas if wired connectivity is your preference for faster download and upload rate, MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4 supports Realtek 8125BG 2.5Gbps LAN card to help you with that to play games seamlessly, pushing your i3-12100F to its top.

What do we like about the MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4?

MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4 is an exceptional level motherboard juicing out the B660 chipset to the best. The 12+1+1 Duet Rail VRM is pretty powerful for the i3-12100F, and with numerous storage M.2 slots and USB ports, it gets quite an edge.

What do we dislike about the MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4?

The MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4 is a powerful motherboard assisting upper-level processors. However, the inclusion of PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 would’ve made it complete considering the chipset and VRM. Also, users who love light colour toned PCBs won’t be thrilled with the motherboard in terms of looks. The price tag of $190 makes it pretty pricey, considering you can get some options in the budget Z690 bracket.

Verdict

MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK Wi-Fi DDR4 is an excellent piece of hardware built to provide performance just like the budget Z690 Motherboards except for the CPU overclocking. It is a treat for the black theme lovers as it checks almost all boxes of a great motherboard. These features make it MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK DDR4 the Best Motherboard For i3-12100F in our categorization. As for the price, it’s not budget-friendly but a good choice for gamers who want a sturdy package.

ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4

Best Looking Motherboard For i3-12100F

Specifications = Chipset: B660 Chipset | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 5333MHz (OC), 128GB | Storage: 3x M.2 slots, 4x SATA 6 Gb/s Ports | USB Ports: 8x USB 3.2 Ports, 7x USB 2.0 Ports | Video Output: 1x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI | Network: 1x Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, 1xIntel Wi-Fi Module

When we talk about the best PC products in the market, it’s impossible not to mention ASUS; the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 is another proof of why ASUS is one of the best brands out there. The B660-A Gaming WiFi is the best choice for your Core i3-12100F as it has the best-looking visuals, apposite performance, and features.

ASUS ROG Strix B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 comes with a 12+1 phase DIGI+ VRM combined with high-side and low-side MOSFETs, providing power efficiency that can be highly beneficial for the latest Intel processors. The DIGI+ VRM inclusion ensures that the VRM provides clean power and stability for processors. There are also high-end chokes and capacitors to resist high temperatures and keep the components safe. With the addition of a 6-layer PCB design and the ProCool power connectors, the system becomes more resistant to high temperatures as these two components further assist in keeping lower temps by lowering thermal conductivity. VRM heatsinks, high-conductivity thermal pads, and three M.2 heatsinks also play an important role in dissipating heat.

ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 comes equipped with dual architectured 4 DIMM slots; the B660-A Gaming WIFI can handle 128GB DDR4 RAM at a frequency of 5333 MHz (OC). The expansion slots of the B660-A contain 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot (x16), 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, and 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. For storage, B660-A Gaming comes with 3x M.2 slots, including 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1x M.2 PCIe x2 slots; 4x SATA ports rated at 6 Gb/s also come in the storage capabilities of the B660-A Gaming WiFi.

The USB ports of the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 contain 8x USB 3.2 and 7x USB 2.0 ports, including Type-A and Type-C ports. Network features include Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 AX); these connectivity features allow strong connections, so the user is free of disconnection problems. B660-A Gaming WiFi is also equipped with ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC (ALC4080), providing high-quality audio to the user.

Coming to the aesthetics, the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 has a decent look, making it one of the most beautiful entries for Core i3-12100F. ROG Strix B660-A Gaming has a matte black colored base with white printed dotted lines adding to the overall look; the silver heatsinks come with some design alongside ROG Strix labeling. There is also an RGB header on the board alongside Aura Sync RGB lighting, which means you can customize the RGB lights on the system the way you like it, boosting the aesthetic game to the next level.

What do we like about the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4?

ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 lives up to the aesthetic department, and we can appreciate that undoubtedly. Not only aesthetics, but we can also find multiple impressive features that make it a must-entry in this list. The inclusion of 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 packed with SafeSlot security makes it a solid package. ASUS included the SupremeFX 7.1 Audio CODEC technology for users to enjoy high-quality audio on their systems. Many USB ports are also impressive, as there are 15x USB ports, including Type-A and Type-C ports. Lastly, the thing that makes ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 a solid aesthetic pick is its unique design and the work put in by ASUS to make it one; the amazing design and RGB Aura Sync make it the best choice, and you should go for it.

What we disliked about ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4:

One of the things that we disliked about the B660-A Gaming is its weaker power stages. The 12+1 power stages are less than other competitive motherboards in the market, which doesn’t give a strong ground regarding sturdy performance. Also, the price for this motherboard is high, ranging around $230, which adds to dislikeable things about the B660-A.

Verdict

Overall, the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-A GAMING WIFI D4 is a great motherboard and the Best Looking Motherboard For i3-12100F in our catalog. The PCIe 5.0 expansion slot, many USB ports, and great aesthetics are the main reasons you should give this motherboard a check. But before buying, consider its price and the fact that it offers fewer power stages compared to the competitive motherboards in the market.

MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4

Best Z690 Motherboard For i3-12100F

Specifications = “Chipset: Z690 Chipset | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 5200MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Storage: 3x M.2 Gen4 slots, 1x M.2 Gen3 slot, 6x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 9x USB 3.2 Ports, 8x USB 2.0 Ports | Video Output: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Intel I225-V 2.5Gbps LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 module, Bluetooth v5.2”]

Well, MSI didn’t let itself bury down the road. Their Z690 Motherboard, MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4, made up the space in Best Motherboards For i3-12100F in our grouping, considering the specs it provided i3-12100F CPU. MSI released this is a budget Z690 motherboard, but the performance you’re getting is insane. MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 is an ATX motherboard with a remarkable combination of black and white inscribes all through the PCB and a silver PCIe 5.0 expansion slot on top.

MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 features a 14+1+1 Power Design VRM with digital CPU power phases. This 14+1+1 VRM setup is pretty solid capable of mid-tier CPU and memory overclocking. However, the i3-12100F is a locked chip, so you can’t overclock the CPU. Two 8-pin connectors power the motherboard. The 2oz 6-layer PCB design helps pick up the heat slowly from the surroundings and dissipates heat quickly from the PCB. In addition to that, extended PWM heatsinks and 7W/mK thermal pad installation helps to keep things cool. M.2 slots also get heatsinks allowing NVMe SSDs to work in recommended temps rather than thermal throttle.

MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 supports a maximum 128GB dual-channel memory in 4 DIMM slots running at a superb speed of 5200MHz. On top of that, you can do memory overclocking with the Intel XMP support on your system too. As for storage, you get three M.2 Gen4 slots, one M.2 Gen3 slot, and six SATA 3.0 Ports. In total, these four M.2 slots and six SATA ports provide a pretty good storage setup for NVMe SSDs and non-NVMe SSDs and HDDs.

The MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 contains three PCIe x16 slots comprising the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot in the spotlight. The inclusion of this interface means that the motherboard can take advantage of the latest PCIe 5.0 interface for your GPU, providing unprecedented data transfer rates up to 128GB/s. The MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 has an adverse USB setup with nine USB 3.2 ports consisting of the fastest of the bunch like USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports containing a Type-C and Type-A port alongside six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The eight USB 2.0 ports are also onboard for further assistance in I/O connectivity.

Regarding the network connectivity, MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 supports Intel I225-V 2.5Gbps LAN card for wired connection providing pretty faster speeds than the simple ethernet connection. If you want to go completely wireless, Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth v5.2 has got you covered with the most rapid data transfer rates of both worlds, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

What do we like about the MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4?

The MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 is a solid motherboard powered by a 14+1+1 Power Design VRM built to keep things hardcore. The Z690 chipset offering support for CPU and Memory Overclocking is impressive from which the motherboard can benefit. The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, ample storage options, and USB 3.2 interface make it a great choice.

What do we dislike about MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4?

There should be DDR5 support considering a high-end chipset to make it an essential entry in the pack.

Verdict

On assessing the on-paper specs, MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI DDR4 is a solid piece of hardware with a top tier chipset support and powerful VRM sufficient for a processor like i3-12100F. The USB ports and storage slots are abundant for general use, so there are no issues. The motherboard sells around $220 – $230, which is expensive, but it’s Z690 with DDR4 support! This appropriate setup made us rank it into our Best Z690 Motherboard For i3-12100F category effortlessly. You can read our different list of Z690 Motherboards as well.

MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4

Best B660 Motherboard For i3-12100F

Specifications = “Chipset: B660 Chipset | Form Factor: mATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 4800MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Storage: 2x M.2 Gen4 slots, 6x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 7x USB 3.2 Ports, 8x USB 2.0 Ports | Video Output: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Realtek® 8125BG 2.5Gbps LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 module, Bluetooth v5.2”]

We have another MSI motherboard addition in the Best Motherboards For 12100F, considering the specs it packs. From the MSI’s B660 lineup, we have MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4 chosen for the performance it provides for our i3-12100F processor. MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4 is a micro ATX motherboard packing a silver-white tint of VRMs on a black PCB, making it a perfect combo for black and white builds.

MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4 features 12+1+1 Duet Rail Power System VRM with a digital CPU power system. Duet Rail VRM is a compelling omnipotent VRM able to deal with huge workloads assuring sustainable power delivery to the CPU and other components. It won’t have any issues juicing up Intel’s i3-12100F processor with a two 8-pin connector. As for cooling, 2oz 6-layer PCB design provides thickened copper layers that are harder to heat up. It helps in slowing down the heat conductivity of the motherboards. Extended heatsinks alongside M.2 heatsink help in heat dispersion to allow things to work optimally.

The MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4 motherboard can plug in a maximum of 128GB DDR4 Memory rushing at 4800MHz frequency. The memory overclocking support helps you achieve faster data transfer rates providing a solid performance edge. As for storage, you get two M.2 Gen4 slots assisting your NVMe SSDs alongside six SATA 3.0 ports for expansion purposes. The motherboard also features two PCIe x16 slots comprising a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot helping attain faster speeds than the PCIe 3.0.

I/O connectivity includes seven USB 3.2 ports and eight USB 2.0 ports comprising a Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, a Type-C and four Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and eight USB 2.0 ports. This USB setup is quite elaborate for daily use. MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4 offers wired and wireless network connectivity. Realtek 8125BG 2.5Gbps LAN powers the ethernet connection, whereas Intel Wi-Fi 6 alongside Bluetooth v5.2 covers the wireless section providing solid links and seamless speeds.

What do we like about the MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4?

MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4 is a solid entry in the B660 marketplace having the guts to challenge the best of the chipset lineup. The 12+1+1 Duet Rail VRM and providing a better plugging experience by providing Type-C ports is acceptable with the i3-12100F processor.

What do we dislike about MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4?

There’s no DDR5 or PCIe 5.0 support which is a drawback. Also, the addition of only two M.2 Gen4 slots is a little less for storage aggressive users preferencing NVMe SSDs.

Verdict

MSI MAG B660M MORTAR WIFI DDR4 is a beautiful contrasty motherboard built for i3-12100F users on a budget, demanding a powerful motherboard built to sustain their gaming loads and can get the best out of the chipset and their motherboard. The motherboard costs approximately $180, which doesn’t strictly fall in the budget category considering a B660 chipset. However, the motherboard had performance and looks on a smaller form factor to classify it under the Best B660 Motherboard For i3-12100F in our catalogue. We also have an entire article Dedicated to Intel’s 12th Generation B660 Motherboards.

ASUS Prime H610M-E D4

Best H610 Motherboard For i3-12100F

Specifications = “Chipset: H610 Chipset | Form Factor: mATX | Memory Support: 2 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 3200MHz max, 64GB | Storage: 2x M.2 Gen3 slots, 4x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 4x USB 3.2 ports, 6x USB 2.0 ports | Video Output: 1x D-Sub port, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Realtek 1Gb Ethernet, No Wi-Fi and Bluetooth”]

Alder Lake CPUs are compatible with all the new 600 series chipsets, including the H610. Intel i3-12100F can form better compatibility with the H610 chipset because they both lay in the baseline of their category. On a thorough analysis of the marketplace, the Best H610 Motherboard For i3-12100F we found was the ASUS Prime H610M-E D4.

ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 is a Micro ATX motherboard built to target the ‘strictly’ budget users with a simple design consisting of black and silver strides throughout the PCB and I/O shields. The motherboard has a DIGI+ VRM, a premium grade VRM applauded by the industry for its power stability and purity. A PCH heatsink helps keep the PCH cooler.

The motherboard contains the support for a maximum of 64GB DDR4 Memory operating at a 3200MHz frequency. That’s the baseline speed set for the H610 chipset, as they don’t have the memory overclocking aid. Talking about storage, the ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 comprises two M.2 Gen 3 slots for the NVMe SSDs and four SATA 3.0 ports assisting in storage expansion.

ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 has a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for the GPU and a PCIe 3.0 x1 slot for a network/Wireless card. PCIe 4.0 is an excellent addition for the x16 slot, so your GPU can benefit from the latest PCIe interfaces. Considering the USB setup, it’s satisfactory, comprising four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and six USB 2.0 ports. You can’t enjoy the USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, but it’s okay with the Gen 1 too, considering the H610 chipset and form factor.

Regarding the networking aspect, ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 supports built-in wired connectivity only powered by the Realtek 1Gb Ethernet network card. There’s no support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so there is no wireless connectivity on board (unless you buy a wireless network card for the PCIe 3.0 x1 slot). Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC provides a high-level audio experience for the ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 motherboard.

What do we like about the ASUS Prime H610M-E D4?

ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 offers excellent value compared to the specs it offers. The mATX form factor with a PCIe 4.0 expansion slot, DIGI+ VRM and a beautiful visual combination make it a favourite choice in H610 for the 12100F CPU.

What do we dislike about ASUS Prime H610M-E D4?

Firstly, there’s no PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot implying you can’t get those faster speeds. Also, there are no USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports on the motherboard, which is a drawback. Lack of wireless connectivity is heartbreaking too.

Verdict

ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 is an excellent option for a more petite build on a budget chipset. It provides all basic functionalities for users to use their i3-12100F microprocessor calmly. There’s no memory overclocking or CPU overclocking, so your processor will perform at baseline speeds here. A marvellous design alongside a stable DIGI+ VRM and satisfactory USB and Storage support help us push the ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 in the recommended H610 Motherboard For 12100F classification.

ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4

Best H670 motherboard for i3-12100F

Specifications = “Chipset: H670 Chipset | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR4 5066MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Storage: 3x M.2 Gen3 slots, 4x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 10x USB 3.2 ports, 5x USB 2.0 ports | Video Output: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, No Wi-Fi and Bluetooth”]

ASUS hasn’t left the arena still. They have struck another name in our list of Best Motherboard For i3-12100F by putting the ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 in the catalogue. ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 is a beautiful piece of hardware comprising an ATX form factor alongside black-silver colour combinations on the motherboard with matching heatsinks. Make sure to read everything there is about the latest H670 Motherboards as well.

ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 features a solid DIGI+ VRM design with 8 power stages, making it an utterly sturdy setup. It is an industry applauded VRM known for its power stability and purity. You won’t have any issues with the power requirements and cleanness of your i3-12100F processor. The motherboard gets power from 8-pin solid pin ProCool connectors, which help in heat dispersion from the VRM to run efficiently.

Due to power utilization, components generate heat. ASUS has cared to add VRM heatsinks and thermal pads to keep air flowing through the components. These steps help lower the MOSFETs, capacitors, and chokes temperatures, ensuring smooth power delivery. M.2 heatsinks are also added to stop your NVMe SSDs from thermal throttling and letting them run efficiently.

ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 accommodates colossal speeds for the DDR4 memory too. You can plug in a maximum of 128GB RAM on the motherboard, with each module running at a whopping rate of 5066MHz. The icing on the cake is the memory-boosting option with memory overclocking. Regarding expansion slots, three PCIe x16 slots are put onto the motherboard with two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for your network or sound cards.

As for storage, ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 assists with three M.2 Gen3 slots comprising two M.2 Gen4 x4 slots and a M.2 Gen4 x4 slot that could be used as SATA 3.0 port too. If you need more storage space, you can use the four SATA 3.0 ports for non-NVMe SSDs and HDDs.

I/O connectivity is hugely crucial for a PC build. ASUS has added ten USB 3.2 ports and five USB 2.0 ports in ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4. These USB 3.2 ports consist of a Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, two Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and seven USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Concerning the networking side, ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 only supports wired connections out of the box with a Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet network card. There’s no Wi-Fi and Bluetooth assistance here. You will have to buy an M.2 card individually for wireless accessibility. Regarding the audio, Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC handles the space with satisfactory audio grade.

What do we like about the ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4?

ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 is a decent motherboard that can facilitate the 12100F processor very well. The 5066MHz DDR4 RAM speed is pretty shocking as it will boost the performance exponentially for the i3-12100F. It also features a tough DIGI+ VRM for power consistency. A PCIe 4.0 interface is also a plus point with an exceptional sound layout for Expansion slots.

What do we dislike about the ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4?

There’s no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support, which is heartbreaking for most users. ASUS has been cheap stake with the USB 3.2 Gen2 ports too.

Verdict

ASUS Prime H670-PLUS D4 motherboard provides solid vibes for running a low-level processor like i3-12100F. Its specs are pretty indifferent, but an extensive expansion setup, good DDR4 speeds, and this motherboard’s availability at a fair price of approximately $160 makes it the  Best H670 Motherboard for i3-12100F in our analysis.

Competition

ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI

Runner-Up For Best Looking Motherboard For i3-12100F

Specifications = “Chipset: B660 Chipset | Form Factor: ATX | Memory Support: 4 DIMM slots, Dual channel DDR5 6000MHz (OC) max, 128GB | Storage: 3x M.2 Gen4 slots, 4x SATA 3.0 Ports | USB Ports: 10x USB 3.2 Ports, 6x USB 2.0 Ports | Video Output: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.1 | Network: 1x Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6 802.11 AX module, Bluetooth v5.2”]

Intel’s 12^th generation processor and chipset launch put the motherboard manufacturers to unrest. All of the vendors launched their own motherboards lineup for each chipset. One of the largest motherboard manufacturers, ASUS introduced their ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI motherboard in the market. ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI is an ATX motherboard with an attractive matte black ensemble all around the motherboard, from PCB to the Heatsinks, along with a beautiful glitch ROG logo on the heatsinks.

ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI is an exceptionally powerful motherboard with a 16+1 power stages DIGI+ VRM. DIGI+ VRM is an industry-acclaimed VRM applauded for power cleanness and stability for crucial electrical components like CPUs. ASUS has also added top tier chokes and capacitors to help resist high temperatures dangerous for the components. Also, the 6-layer PCB design and the ProCool power connectors assist in keeping lower temps by dissipating heat and slowing down thermal conductivity.

The Memory configuration is an exciting part here. ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI comes with dual architectured 4 DIMM slots built to accommodate a maximum of 128GB DDR5 RAM running at an astounding frequency of 6000MHz. Well, that’s crazy! This speed will bring the performance a massive notch up for the i3-12100F processor. The cherry on top is that you also have support for memory overclocking. If you’re interested in buying DDR5 Memory, check our guide on the Best DDR5 RAM in 2023.

As for the storage, ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI supports three M.2 slots for your NVMe SSDs, which are pretty good. You can use the four SATA 6Gb/s ports too for further storage. M.2 slots consist of M.2 heatsinks helping NVMe SSDs to operate optimally without thermal throttling. The motherboard comes with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for your GPU, which is staggering as you get support for the latest PCIe 5.0 interface.

The I/O is also flawless, with ten USB 3.2 ports and six USB 2.0 ports soldered for your assistance. It also got one of the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports for astonishing data transfer speeds. These USB options also get different port types like Type-A and Type-C. Network connectivity comprises of Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet network card for wired connections and Intel Wi-Fi 6 with 802.11 AX module alongside Bluetooth v5.2 for wireless connections. You get the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version so that you won’t have any disconnections. ASUS has also added their ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High-Definition Audio CODEC ALC4080 for the Motherboard, along with a Savitech high-end amplifier to provide studio-grade audio.

What do we like about the ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI?

The ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI is a robust performance-aggressive motherboard built to perfection with the support of a powerful VRM, DDR5, capable of operating at amusing speeds of 6000MHz and PCIe 5.0 interface. An adequate storage and USB ports space is the icing on the cake.

What do we dislike about ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI?

Firstly, ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI retails around $280 to $350 bracket, which is quite expensive as you might get some hands-on Z690 mid-tier and lower bracket high-end motherboards. Also, a PCIe 4.0 should be there after PCIe 5.0 to support expansion slots.

Verdict

Well, ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI is an amazingly sturdy motherboard with the power and specs to support heavy processors. i3-12100F will provide exceptionally smooth performance on the motherboard. The price point gets your eyebrows up, but if you are performance cautious, an extravagant spender and love black-themed motherboards with some glitchy effect, this is it! Its looks helped us categorize it into the Runner-Up For The Best Designed Motherboard For i3-12100F without any doubt.

Our Selection Criteria For i3-1200F Motherboards

A motherboard is one of the crucial components having a massive reliance on your system performance. You can buy a powerful processor, but a poorly optimized motherboard will ruin the fun for you. It’s better to start your build by holding on to a processor, so buying a motherboard becomes more straightforward in terms of decision making.

If you have an i3-12100F processor, you will need an adequately powered motherboard. You might be thinking, how do I buy a motherboard that can support my i3-12100F processor? Well, no need to worry. We took on this task for your convenience, and after going through several motherboards with different chipsets and specs, we landed on quite a few. This guide will help you to make your purchase decision as well. Let us discuss how we chose the best motherboards for your i3-1200f processor.

Chipset and Sockets:

One of the primary key points before buying a motherboard is knowing the specific chipset for your processor. First and foremost, check your processor’s compatible chipset and socket and then narrow down your options. i3-12100F processors support the Z690, B660, H670 and H610 chipsets comprising the LGA1700 socket soldered on top. Knowing the chipset and socket size beforehand will help you decide many elements ahead.

VRM:

You have now narrowed down your options, considering the slicing down of options based on the chipset. The next important thing to check is the VRM. The motherboard performs optimally and efficiently when provided with the required voltage. Excess voltage supply can cause the component damage or stop their working. To keep things in control, the VRM is up for the task.

VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) controls the overall voltage of each component. It regulates your voltage levels according to the components, which provides power stability, ensuring that they stay within their safe limit and extend their lifetime. If there are power cuts or disruption in power delivery, you will immediately feel a performance hit, which will ruin your user experience. So, using a motherboard with a sturdy, robust VRM is recommended.

Thermals:

Overheating an electrical component is quite dangerous for its performance and health. The same is the case for motherboards. The overheating matter needs some mechanisms to help cope with these issues to keep things on the cooler side. The first thing to consider is the PCB layers of a motherboard. A thick PCB layer and in more significant quantity decrease the thermal conductivity of the PCB. It implies that it will take more time and heat to increase motherboard temps

A motherboard of a significant form factor like ATX will be less unheated than smaller motherboards like mini-ITX. Later in the article, we will see the dependence of thermals on form factors.

Heatsinks also help keep the motherboard cool. They are carved metal placements placed on components to keep them cool. Their grill-like structure allows the airflow through them quickly, helping lower their temperatures.

The coolers for a motherboard are deeply related to its form factor. A cooling device more extensive than the component surface area will be the waste of a cooler. Before buying a cooler, keep in mind the form factor of your motherboard. Notwithstanding, we have a splendid guide on LGA 1700 CPU Coolers, so read that before making a purchase.

Form Factors:

Motherboards come in different sizes. There are many types of motherboards, but the most common types you will see are ATX, micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, among others. ATX is the largest of the bunch in this sequence, whereas the Mini-ITX is the smallest one.

Form factor plays a crucial role in keeping your motherboard cool. A motherboard of substantial size like ATX has more surface area than a miniature motherboard like mini-ITX. This large surface area provides space for the heat to dissipate more because the components on the motherboard have enough breathing room between them, thus keeping the motherboard cool.

The casing for your motherboard is another factor to keep in mind. Each board needs a specific type of casing. If you decide on using an ATX motherboard, then having a medium-sized tower or desktop case is necessary. The cooling system will change accordingly then. If you use a Mini-ITX, you will need a small case. There will be less open space for heat to dissipate in a small case. You will need heavy cooling systems to keep your PC cool, or you will damage your components eventually.

Expansion Slots and Connectivity:

The motherboard is the hardware component acting as the expansion and I/O connectivity placeholder. A motherboard comprises different slots and ports, including USB ports, storage slots and expansion slots. You should check if the motherboards have the minimum required amount of USB slots when talking about USB. USB slots are used to connect USB storage devices and Peripheral devices.

As for the Expansion slots, they include the PCIe slots used to plug in the GPU and network cards. If you have already bought a GPU, you must purchase a compatible PCIe motherboard. If you haven’t purchased a GPU, try purchasing a motherboard with the latest PCIe slots available for future-proofing.

Lastly, the storage slots are also quite important. If you are more of an NVMe fanboy, you need at least two M.2 slots in your motherboard. If not, one M.2 slot with SATA ports for non-NVMe SSDs and hard drives will be good. Also, consider the PCIe generation for your M.2 slots and go for the latest one.

Visual Appeal:

Now you have reached a point where you have butchered down your choices to motherboards offering the best specifications possible according to your needs. With such excellent specifications, you cannot ignore the aesthetical side of this build. You are free to create any themed design you want, whether black-themed or white themed, among other options. There are different LED options like single colour LEDs or RGBs that you can use according to your preference. Take the PCB and Heatsinks colour contrast into account too. After all, this is the gaming rig that you have been waiting for in your life. Who wouldn’t like it to look visually appealing?

i5-11400F vs i3-12100F

i5-11400F comes under Intel’s 11^th generation processors under the code name Rocket Lake. i3-12100F is Intel’s 12^th generation processor recently launched under the Alder Lake series of CPUs. i5-11400F is an Intel Core i5 processor, whereas the i3-12100F is an Intel Core i3 processor. i3-12100F has its grounds on Intel’s 10nm Enhanced SuperFin (10ESF) process, whereas the 11400F has its basis on Cypress Cove microarchitecture backported to Intel’s 14nm process. The 11400F processor supports the 500 series chipsets with an LGA1200 socket, whereas the i3-12100F CPU supports the 600 series chipsets only patched with the latest socket, the LGA1700.

The i3-12100F processor supports four cores (P-Cores) with eight threads having a base frequency of 3.30GHz alongside a maximum turbo frequency of 4.30GHz. i3-12100F has a TDP of 58W and a Maximum Turbo Power consumption of 89W. The L2 cache is 5MB, and the L3 cache is 12MB for the 12100F processor. On the other hand, 11400F has six cores with twelve threads. The processor has a base frequency of 2.60GHz with a max turbo frequency of 4.40GHz. The Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 frequency is 4.40GHz too. I5-11400F comprises an L2 cache of 1.5MB and an L3 cache of 12MB. The processor has a TDP of 65W.

As for Memory support, the i3-12100F supports DDR5 memory at 4800 MT/s and DDR4 memory at 3200 MT/s natively with a maximum memory bandwidth of 76.8GB/s for both memory types. In contrast to i3-12100F, 11400F supports DDR4 only operating natively at 3200 MT/s. The Intel Core i3-12100F supports PCIe 4.0 and the latest interface, the PCIe 5.0 while on the contrary, the i5-11400F supports PCIe 4.0 only. It also supports the Intel Gaussian and Neural Accelerator version 3.0, whereas 11400F supports the 2.0 version. Both processors have Hyperthreading, Virtualization Technology, Intel DL Boost and Intel Optane Memory support.

12100F vs i5-12600k vs 5600X

i3-12100F and i5-12600k are Intel’s 12^th generation processors from Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i5 series. These are part of the Alder Lake CPUs and support the 600 series chipsets from Intel comprising Z690, H670, B660 and H610. All these chipsets support the LGA1700 socket only, the latest from Intel. On the other hand, 5600X is an AMD Ryzen processor of their Ryzen 5 lineup with an AM4 CPU socket.

12100F and i5-12600k are based on Alder Lake’s Intel’s 10nm Enhanced SuperFin (10ESF) process whereas the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X has its basis on TMSC 7nm FinFET technology. Intel Core i3-12100F is a quadcore processor having four P-Cores only alongside eight total threads. On the other hand, Intel Core i5-12600k contains ten cores comprising six P-Cores and four E-Cores apace with sixteen threads in total. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X includes six CPU cores with twelve threads. If you are interested in additional information about i5-12600k, we explain all differences, important features in the Motherboards For the i5-12600k article.

The Ryzen 5 5600X has a Base Clock of 3.7 GHz and a Maximum Boost clock of 4.6GHz. In contrast, the i3-12100F has a P-Core Base Frequency of 3.30GHz and Max Turbo Frequency of 4.30GHz. Talking about our Intel i5 contender, it has a P-Core Base Frequency of 3.70GHz, E-Core Base Frequency of 2.80GHz and Max Turbo Frequency of 4.90GHz.

5600X has a 3MB L2 cache and 32MB L3 cache. On the other hand, i3-12100F has a 5MB L2 cache, and 12MB L3 cache and the i5-12600k has a 9.5MB L2 cache apace with 20MB L3 cache. Talking of TDP, Ryzen 5 5600X has a default TDP of 65W. As for Intel, i3-12100F has a base power of 58W and a maximum turbo power of 89W. i5-12600k, on the other hand, has a base power consumption of 125W and a maximum turbo power of 150W. These Intel’s processors support PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 with twenty maximum PCIe Lanes. They support DDR5 up to 4800MT/s and DDR4 up to 3200MT/s natively. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X supports PCIe 4.0 alongside the DDR4 for memory type and can operate at 3200MHz natively. Almost all of these processors support memory and CPU Overclocking, considering the appropriate chipset and motherboard in mind. Additional Information can easily be read through Our Motherboard For Ryzen 5 5600x article.