Core i3-1110G4 vs Core i5-12400F

Intel

Core i3-1110G4

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2020
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i5-12400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Core family
·······

Core i3-1110G4 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.

Core i3-1110G4 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.

Core i3-1110G4 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.

Core i3-1110G4

2020

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics Xe G4 (48 EU), 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 (4,160 vs 19,532).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 18 MB).
  • Older platform position on FCBGA1598 with DDR4, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +152.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1598 and DDR4.
  • 400% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-1110G4.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $174 MSRP, while Core i3-1110G4 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1110G4 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i3-1110G4?
Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 152.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 369.5% 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 152.1% 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 369.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 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 at an unclear MSRP at $174 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 152.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of FCBGA1598, 200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 2/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1110G4 vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-1110G4

The Core i3-1110G4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1598. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,160 points. Launch price was $69.

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 Core i3-1110G4 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1110G4 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 12% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-1110G4 uses the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1110G4 scores 4,160 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 129.8% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,491 vs 1,700, a 13.1% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1110G4 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

FeatureCore i3-1110G4Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
4.4 GHz+13%
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
2.5 GHz+39%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
18 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
10 nm SuperFin
Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture
Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021)
Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark
4,160
19,532+370%
Cinebench R23 Multi
12,380
Geekbench 6 Single
1,491
1,700+14%
Geekbench 6 Multi
657
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1110G4 uses the FCBGA1598 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR4x-4267 on the Core i3-1110G4 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 12.5% 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: 4 (Core i3-1110G4) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i3-1110G4Core i5-12400F
Socket
FCBGA1598
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
LPDDR4x-4267
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+12%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
4
20+400%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i3-1110G4 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics Xe G4 (48 EU)), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1110G4 targets Thin & Light Laptop, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i3-1110G4 rivals Ryzen 3 4300U; Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureCore i3-1110G4Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics Xe G4 (48 EU)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Thin & Light Laptop
Gaming Performance/Value