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.

Celeron T3100 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.

Celeron T3100 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.

Celeron T3100

2008

Why buy it

✅Costs $112 less on MSRP ($62 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (650 vs 657).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.2 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($62 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on PGA478, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +759.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+1700% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Delivers 636.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 15.2 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $62 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of PGA478 and older memory support.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
180.6% HIGHER MSRP
$174 MSRPvs$62 MSRP
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Celeron T3100?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 759.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 1966.9% higher 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 759.2% 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 1.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 1700% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 1 MB).

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 180.6% more expensive on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $62 MSRP, and it still gives you a 759.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 636.5% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 15.2 PassMark/$), 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 2008), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of PGA478, and 1700% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 1 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Celeron T3100 vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Celeron T3100

The Celeron T3100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 945 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 Core i5-12400F is built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron T3100 scores 945 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 181.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 350 vs 1,700, a 131.7% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 650 vs 657 (1.1% advantage for the Core i5-12400F). L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache on the Celeron T3100 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

Feature	Celeron T3100	Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads	—	6 / 12
Boost Clock	—	4.4 GHz
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	2.5 GHz+32%
L3 Cache	1 MB L2 Cache	18 MB (total)+1700%
L2 Cache	—	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	45 nm	Intel 7 nm-84%
Architecture	—	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	945	19,532+1967%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	12,380
Geekbench 6 Single	350	1,700+386%
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	657+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron T3100 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Celeron T3100 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 500% 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 8 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Celeron T3100) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GL40,GM45 (Celeron T3100) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

Feature	Celeron T3100	Core i5-12400F
Socket	PGA478	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+500%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: None (Celeron T3100) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). Primary use case: Celeron T3100 targets Legacy Laptop, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Celeron T3100	Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	None	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Legacy Laptop	Gaming Performance/Value

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron T3100 was priced at $62, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($62 vs $174), Celeron T3100 was $112 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron T3100 delivers 15.2 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 152.2% better value option.

Feature	Celeron T3100	Core i5-12400F
MSRP	$62-64%	$174
Performance per Dollar	15.2	112.3+639%
Release Date	2008	2022

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