
Atom x5-Z8300 vs Core i5-12400F

Atom x5-Z8300

Core i5-12400F
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Atom x5-Z8300 is positioned at rank #4 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Excellent cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-Z8300
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Cherry Trail (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+21%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom x5-Z8300 and Core i5-12400F

Atom x5-Z8300
The Atom x5-Z8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.44 GHz, with boost up to 1.84 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,934 points. Launch price was $69.

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 Atom x5-Z8300 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 1.84 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8300 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 82.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 1.44 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the Cherry Trail (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8300 scores 2,934 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 147.8% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8300 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 1.84 GHz | 4.4 GHz+139% |
| Base Clock | 1.44 GHz | 2.5 GHz+74% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+60% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Cherry Trail (2015−2016) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 2,934 | 19,532+566% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 12,380 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 657 |
Memory & Platform
The Atom x5-Z8300 uses the UTFCBGA592 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 DDR3L-RS 1600 on the Atom x5-Z8300 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 50% 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 2 GB — 193.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom x5-Z8300) vs 2 (Core i5-12400F). PCIe lanes: 1 (Atom x5-Z8300) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 19 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8300) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | UTFCBGA592 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-RS 1600 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 GB | 128 GB+6300% |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 1 | 20+1900% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-Z8300) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The Atom x5-Z8300 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail)), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) | — |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Performance/Value |
Value Analysis
The Atom x5-Z8300 launched at $20 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400F debuted at $174.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8300 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $20-89% | $174 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $110 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2022 |
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