Core i3-N300 vs Core i5-12400F

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-N300 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-N300 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-N300

2023

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,283 vs 19,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 26.8 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +56.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $135 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅Delivers 318.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 26.8 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i3-N300?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 56.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 135.8% better 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 56.7% 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 135.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 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 $135 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 56.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 318.8% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 26.8 PassMark/$), 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 i3-N300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-N300 vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-N300

The Core i3-N300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 7 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 8,283 points. Launch price was $309.

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-N300 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i3-N300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-N300 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 14.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 0.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-N300 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-N300 scores 8,283 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 80.9% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-N300 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

Feature	Core i3-N300	Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.4 GHz+16%
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	2.5 GHz+2400%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	18 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per module)+60%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-N (2023)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	8,283	19,532+136%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	12,380
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,700
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	657

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-N300 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-N300	Core i5-12400F
Socket	FCBGA1264	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	—	128 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-N300) / 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-N300	Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Gaming Performance/Value

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-N300 was priced at $309, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($309 vs $174), Core i5-12400F was $135 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-N300 delivers 26.8 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 122.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-N300	Core i5-12400F
MSRP	$309	$174-44%
Performance per Dollar	26.8	112.3+319%
Release Date	2023	2022

Search Core i3-N300 on Amazon

Search Core i5-12400F on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.