Core i3-1315UE vs Core i5-12400F

Intel

Core i3-1315UE

6 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2023
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-12400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Core family
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Core i3-1315UE 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 i3-1315UE 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 i3-1315UE 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 i3-1315UE

2023

Why buy it

  • +219.6% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, 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.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 18 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.9 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($312 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +36.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +80% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 10 MB).
  • Costs $138 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $312 MSRP).
  • Delivers 289.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 28.9 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $312 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-1315UE.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (657 vs 2,100).
  • 333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1315UE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1315UE better than Core i5-12400F?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-12400F is ahead with a 36.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1315UE pulls ahead with 219.6% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i5-12400F also has the bigger cache pool with 80% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 10 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1315UE is the stronger fit. You are getting 219.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-1315UE is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-12400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i3-1315UE comes in 79.3% more expensive on MSRP at $312 MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you 219.6% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i5-12400F is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 36.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-12400F is also 289.0% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 28.9 PassMark/$), 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 i3-1315UE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-1315UE vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-1315UE

The Core i3-1315UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-U (2023) architecture. It features 6 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 9,003 points. Launch price was $149.

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 i3-1315UE packs 6 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-12400F's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i3-1315UE versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-1315UE (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-1315UE uses the Raptor Lake-U (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1315UE scores 9,003 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 73.8% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,000 vs 1,700, a 16.2% lead for the Core i3-1315UE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,100 vs 657 (104.7% advantage for the Core i3-1315UE). L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Core i3-1315UE vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

FeatureCore i3-1315UECore i5-12400F
Cores / Threads
6 / 8
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz+2%
4.4 GHz
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
2.5 GHz+108%
L3 Cache
10 MB (total)
18 MB (total)+80%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
10 nm
Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture
Raptor Lake-U (2023)
Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark
9,003
19,532+117%
Cinebench R23 Multi
12,380
Geekbench 6 Single
2,000+18%
1,700
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,100+220%
657
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1315UE uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the Core i3-1315UE versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i3-1315UE supports 8.3% 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 96 GB 33.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-U (Core i3-1315UE) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

FeatureCore i3-1315UECore i5-12400F
Socket
FCBGA1744
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5200+8%
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
96 GB
128 GB+33%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-1315UE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The Core i3-1315UE includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1315UE targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureCore i3-1315UECore i5-12400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Mainstream Laptop
Gaming Performance/Value
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1315UE was priced at $312, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($312 vs $174), Core i5-12400F was $138 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1315UE delivers 28.9 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 118.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-1315UECore i5-12400F
MSRP
$312
$174-44%
Performance per Dollar
28.9
112.3+289%
Release Date
2023
2022

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