Core i3-4370 vs Core i5-12400F

Intel

Core i3-4370

2 Cores4 Thrd54 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2014
VS
Intel

Core i5-12400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022

Core i3-4370 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 i3-4370 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 i3-4370 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 i3-4370

2014

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $25 less on MSRP ($149 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 54W instead of 65W, a 11W reduction.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, 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 (2,454 vs 12,380).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 18 MB).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.9 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($149 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
  • ❌Older platform position on LGA1150, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +154.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+350% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 4 MB).
  • βœ…Delivers 334.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 25.9 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $149 MSRP).
  • βœ…Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1150 and older memory support.
  • βœ…25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • ❌
    16.8% HIGHER MSRP
    $174 MSRPvs$149 MSRP
  • ❌20.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 54W.
  • ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4370 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i3-4370?
Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 154.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 404.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 406.8% 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 154.0% 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 404.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 350% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 4 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 16.8% more expensive on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 154.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 334.0% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 25.9 PassMark/$), 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 2014), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1150, 350% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 4 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 i3-4370 vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-4370

The Core i3-4370 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,854 points. Launch price was $242.

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 i3-4370 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads β€” the Core i5-12400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-4370 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F β€” a 14.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-4370 uses the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4370 scores 3,854 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 β€” a 134.1% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 2,454 vs 12,380 (133.8% advantage for the Core i5-12400F). Geekbench 6 single-core β€” the metric most relevant to gaming β€” records 904 vs 1,700, a 61.1% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,071 vs 657 (103.7% advantage for the Core i3-4370). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4370 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

FeatureCore i3-4370Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
6 / 12+200%
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4.4 GHz+16%
Base Clock
3.8 GHz+52%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
18 MB (total)+350%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)+400%
Process
22 nm
Intel 7 nm-68%
Architecture
Haswell (2013βˆ’2015)
Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark
3,854
19,532+407%
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,454
12,380+404%
Geekbench 6 Single
904
1,700+88%
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,071+215%
657
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4370 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4370 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F β€” the Core i5-12400F supports 200% 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 β€” 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-4370) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) β€” the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel H81,Intel B85,Intel H87,Intel Z87,Intel H97,Intel Z97 (Core i3-4370) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

FeatureCore i3-4370Core i5-12400F
Socket
LGA1150
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+200%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
16
20+25%
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-4370) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The Core i3-4370 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureCore i3-4370Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4600
β€”
AVX-512
No
β€”
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
β€”
Gaming Performance/Value
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4370 was priced at $149, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($149 vs $174), Core i3-4370 was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4370 delivers 25.9 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F β€” making the Core i5-12400F the 125.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-4370Core i5-12400F
MSRP
$149-14%
$174
Performance per Dollar
25.9
112.3+334%
Release Date
2014
2022

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