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 i3-350M 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 i3-350M 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 i3-350M

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $44 less on MSRP ($130 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD 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.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (650 vs 657).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on PGA988, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +678.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+500% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Delivers 1241.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of PGA988 and older memory support.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
33.8% HIGHER MSRP
$174 MSRPvs$130 MSRP
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-350M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i3-350M?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 678.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 1695.2% 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 678.4% 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 500% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 3 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 33.8% more expensive on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 678.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1241.3% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), 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 2010), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of PGA988, 500% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 3 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 i3-350M vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-350M

The Core i3-350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

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 i3-350M 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 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 176.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-350M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-350M scores 1,088 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 178.9% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 280 vs 1,700, a 143.4% 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: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-350M vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock	0.27 GHz	4.4 GHz+1530%
Base Clock	2.26 GHz	2.5 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	18 MB (total)+500%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+20380%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	32 nm	Intel 7 nm-78%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	1,088	19,532+1695%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	12,380
Geekbench 6 Single	280	1,700+507%
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	657+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-350M uses the PGA988 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 DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-350M versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 350.3% 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 8 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-350M) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57 (Core i3-350M) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

Feature	Core i3-350M	Core i5-12400F
Socket	PGA988	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+350%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i3-350M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320; Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Entry Laptop	Gaming Performance/Value

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-350M was priced at $130, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($130 vs $174), Core i3-350M was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-350M delivers 8.4 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 172.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Core i5-12400F
MSRP	$130-25%	$174
Performance per Dollar	8.4	112.3+1237%
Release Date	2010	2022

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