A10-7700K vs Core i5-12400F

AMD

A10-7700K

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-12400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Core family
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A10-7700K vs Core i5-12400F Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A10-7700K vs Core i5-12400F FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-7700K vs Core i5-12400F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-7700K

2014

Why buy it

  • Costs $22 less on MSRP ($152 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R7, while Core i5-12400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,182 vs 19,532).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.9 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($152 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
  • Older platform position on FM2+, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +188.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 436.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $152 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of FM2+ and older memory support.
  • 25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 14.5% HIGHER MSRP
    $174 MSRPvs$152 MSRP
  • No integrated graphics, while A10-7700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than A10-7700K?
Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 188.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 513.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-12400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 188.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-12400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 513.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-12400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-12400F comes in 14.5% more expensive on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $152 MSRP, and it still gives you a 188.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 436.2% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 20.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-12400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2014), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of FM2+, and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

A10-7700K vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

A10-7700K

The A10-7700K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,182 points. Launch price was $152.

Intel

Core i5-12400F

The Core i5-12400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,532 points. Launch price was $180.

Processing Power

The A10-7700K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the A10-7700K versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 14.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The A10-7700K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7700K scores 3,182 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 144% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 442 vs 1,700, a 117.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-7700K vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

FeatureA10-7700KCore i5-12400F
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4.4 GHz+16%
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+40%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
18 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4096 kB+220%
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
28 nm
Intel 7 nm-75%
Architecture
Godaveri (2014−2016)
Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark
3,182
19,532+514%
Cinebench R23 Multi
12,380
Geekbench 6 Single
442
1,700+285%
Geekbench 6 Multi
657
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-7700K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the A10-7700K versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 125% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-12400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A10-7700K) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A58,A68H,A75,A78,A85X,A88X (A10-7700K) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

FeatureA10-7700KCore i5-12400F
Socket
FM2+
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+125%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
20+25%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-7700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The A10-7700K includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7700K targets Budget, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: A10-7700K rivals Core i3-4360; Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureA10-7700KCore i5-12400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon R7
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget
Gaming Performance/Value
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-7700K was priced at $152, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($152 vs $174), A10-7700K was $22 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-7700K delivers 20.9 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 137.1% better value option.

FeatureA10-7700KCore i5-12400F
MSRP
$152-13%
$174
Performance per Dollar
20.9
112.3+437%
Release Date
2014
2022

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