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 i3-12100F 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 i3-12100F 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 i3-12100F

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $77 less on MSRP ($97 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 144.1 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($97 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (13,979 vs 19,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 18 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-12100F.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 112.3 vs 144.1 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $97 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i3-12100F?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 22.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 39.7% 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 22.2% 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 39.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-12400F is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i3-12100F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-12400F comes in 79.4% more expensive on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $97 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-12100F is also 28.4% better value on MSRP (144.1 vs 112.3 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds 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 50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-12100F vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-12100F

The Core i3-12100F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 58 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 13,979 points. Launch price was $97.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-12100F packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-12100F versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-12100F scores 13,979 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 33.1% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-12100F vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz	4.4 GHz+2%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+32%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	18 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	13,979	19,532+40%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	12,380
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,700
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	657

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-12100F 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. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i3-12100F) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Core i5-12400F
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+50%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-12100F) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU	No	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Gaming Performance/Value

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-12100F was priced at $97, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($97 vs $174), Core i3-12100F was $77 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12100F delivers 144.1 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i3-12100F the 24.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-12100F	Core i5-12400F
MSRP	$97-44%	$174
Performance per Dollar	144.1+28%	112.3
Release Date	2022	2022

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