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 i3-1220P 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 i3-1220P 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 i3-1220P

2022

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 65W, a 37W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 64EU, 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 Cinebench R23 multi-core (10,921 vs 12,380).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 58.0 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $76 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 93.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 58.0 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-1220P.

Trade-offs

❌132.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 28W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1220P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i3-1220P?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 13.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 34.7% higher PassMark, 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 3.5% 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 13.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 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 the better buy right now. Core i5-12400F comes in $76 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 93.6% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 58.0 PassMark/$), 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 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i3-1220P vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-1220P

The Core i3-1220P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 14,496 points. Launch price was $149.

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 i3-1220P packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i3-1220P has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1220P versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-1220P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1220P scores 14,496 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 29.6% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 10,921 vs 12,380 (12.5% advantage for the Core i5-12400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,971 vs 1,700, a 14.8% lead for the Core i3-1220P that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,056 vs 657 (169.8% advantage for the Core i3-1220P). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i3-1220P vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads	10 / 12+67%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.4 GHz
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.5 GHz+67%
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-P (2022)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	14,496	19,532+35%
Cinebench R23 Multi	10,921	12,380+13%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,971+16%	1,700
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,056+1126%	657

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1220P uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The Core i5-12400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series (Core i3-1220P) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Core i5-12400F
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-1220P) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The Core i3-1220P includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 64EU), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1220P targets Workstation, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i3-1220P rivals Ryzen 3 5425U; Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 64EU	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Workstation	Gaming Performance/Value

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1220P was priced at $250, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($250 vs $174), Core i5-12400F was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1220P delivers 58.0 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 63.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Core i5-12400F
MSRP	$250	$174-30%
Performance per Dollar	58.0	112.3+94%
Release Date	2022	2022

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