Question Is the i3-12100 discontinued?

[mrgrey]

So... it seems that the i3-12100 is the best bang for buck integrated graphics CPU, there are reviews everywhere talking about how great it is... but you can't buy it. Anywhere. Like it was only released 2 months ago? Is it discontinued?

I'm looking to build a budget PC for a family member, $400 tops. With a $140 CPU/GPU integration that fits the budget well, given other components must also be bought. It's competitor is supposedly the Ryzen 5 5600G, but that's $260!!! Not even close to fitting into such a budget.

It seems like there are actually no mid-range CPU/GPU components to be had, it is either $250+ for reasonableness or < $100 for sub-optimal performance. I assume this is on purpose. No sweet spots.

 

[USAFRet]

Not discontinued, just sold out everywhere.
Everyone else has the same idea you do...😉

 

[mrgrey]

Not discontinued, just sold out everywhere.
Everyone else has the same idea you do...😉

Thanks. So... I get Intel not gonna just tell people when they will build more chips. Is there any kind of comparison with previous chip generations like this where there's a typical timeframe for chips to be manufactured again? If it's 1 month, I'll just wait, if it's 6 months then I probably have to figure out some other solution (probably the slower i3-10100, but then many budget motherboards for this are sold out, I looked).

 

[punkncat]

If supply continues to be an issue and for that price point, would probably consider one of the Dell or HP office refurbs. With that budget I would guess you could readily get into the 6-7th gen range on one. I personally like Optiplex systems as they are very robust in most situations. Drawback being no upgrade path, stuck with proprietary parts on what is an obsolete system.

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks. So... I get Intel not gonna just tell people when they will build more chips. Is there any kind of comparison with previous chip generations like this where there's a typical timeframe for chips to be manufactured again? If it's 1 month, I'll just wait, if it's 6 months then I probably have to figure out some other solution (probably the slower i3-10100, but then many budget motherboards for this are sold out, I looked).

They make them, and people buy them as fast as they can make them.

The CPU and GPU environment over the last couple of years has been very abnormal.
Mining, scalpers, limited workforce (COVID)....

 

[USAFRet]

And as above...look at something prebuilt, maybe even Dell Refurb.
Those ARE generally available.

 

[mdd1963]

Up the budget a few, and keep your eyes peeled instead for the 12300....(I think these are just now being reviewed the last week or so, therefore perhaps supply a little better...maybe.

 

[dwd999]

So... it seems that the i3-12100 is the best bang for buck integrated graphics CPU, there are reviews everywhere talking about how great it is... but you can't buy it. Anywhere. Like it was only released 2 months ago? Is it discontinued?

It seems like there are actually no mid-range CPU/GPU components to be had, it is either $250+ for reasonableness or < $100 for sub-optimal performance. I assume this is on purpose. No sweet spots.

With all that's going on in the supply chain, Intel is focused on the chips that produce the greatest profit per unit, and the one you want is not one of them. So they're sold out for now until whenever the supply chain supports a larger selection.

 

[Atom Ant]

Buy Celeron G6900 until 12100 is not available. It is my favorite, i do many office computers with it. Cheap, fast dual core and has the integrated graphics. Later you can replace it with bigger intel CPU.

 

[mrgrey]

Thank you all for your comments! I'll definitely consider all of these suggestions.

Regarding the pre-built, yeah, it's tempting but also it seems if I build myself I can get a little more performance, and like one of you said poor upgrade options.

But really, really appreciate all the help and alternative suggestions!

 

[Karadjgne]

As far as I can tell, it'll be early April before Intel ships anymore, unless you get lucky with a batch at newegg, Amazon, Best Buy or Microcenter. The 12100 can be found on eBay, but I'd not spend $220 for one, at that price I'd be after a 12400.
https://www.shopblt.com/item/intel-i3-12100-desktop-proc-4/intel_bx8071512100~b9yn065.html

 

[jaket83]

Thanks. So... I get Intel not gonna just tell people when they will build more chips. Is there any kind of comparison with previous chip generations like this where there's a typical timeframe for chips to be manufactured again? If it's 1 month, I'll just wait, if it's 6 months then I probably have to figure out some other solution (probably the slower i3-10100, but then many budget motherboards for this are sold out, I looked).

The i3-10105F is $69.99 at Microcenter right now if you have one in your area. Pretty good deal, imo. Ive been trying to decide also.

 

[mrgrey]

So... i3-12100 went back in stock, so I grabbed one. Going to pair with GIGABYTE B660M DS3H, 16GB 3200 DDR4 RAM, and a WD_Black SN770 M.2 500GB. Was a bit over $400 with tax, but not bad. I'm reusing an old case and PSU.