Core i5-1145G7 vs Core i5-12400F

Intel

Core i5-1145G7

4 Cores8 Thrd28 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2020
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 i5-1145G7 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 i5-1145G7 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 i5-1145G7 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 i5-1145G7

2020

Why buy it

  • Draws 28W instead of 65W, a 37W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU), while Core i5-12400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 29 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (5,195 vs 12,380).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 18 MB).
  • Older platform position on FCBGA1449 with DDR4, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +45.8% higher average FPS across 29 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +125% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1449 and DDR4.
  • 25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-1145G7.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $174 MSRP, while Core i5-1145G7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 132.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 28W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1145G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i5-1145G7?
Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 45.8% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data, 138.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 110.8% 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 45.8% more average FPS across 29 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 138.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 125% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 8 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 at an unclear MSRP at $174 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 45.8% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of FCBGA1449, 125% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-1145G7 vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-1145G7

The Core i5-1145G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,266 points. Launch price was $309.

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 i5-1145G7 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-1145G7 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-1145G7 uses the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1145G7 scores 9,266 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 71.3% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 5,195 vs 12,380 (81.8% advantage for the Core i5-12400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,653 vs 1,700, a 2.8% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 4,764 vs 657 (151.5% advantage for the Core i5-1145G7). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-1145G7 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

FeatureCore i5-1145G7Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
4.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+4%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
18 MB (total)+125%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
10 nm SuperFin
Intel 7 nm-30%
Architecture
Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)
Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark
9,266
19,532+111%
Cinebench R23 Multi
5,195
12,380+138%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,653
1,700+3%
Geekbench 6 Multi
4,764+625%
657
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1145G7 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-1145G7 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 50% 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 64 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-1145G7) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i5-1145G7) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

FeatureCore i5-1145G7Core i5-12400F
Socket
FCBGA1449
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+50%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
128 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
20+25%
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Advanced Features

Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-1145G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU)), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1145G7 targets Business, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-1145G7 rivals Core i5-1135G7; Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureCore i5-1145G7Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Business
Gaming Performance/Value