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 i5-12400F vs Core i5-12600K 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 i5-12400F vs Core i5-12600K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $115 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 95.5 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-12600K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (12,380 vs 17,500).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-12600K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-12600K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core i5-12400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 95.5 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($289 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12600K better than Core i5-12400F?

Yes. Core i5-12600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 22.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 41.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 41.2% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-12600K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.7% 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 i5-12600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 41.4% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-12600K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-12400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-12600K comes in 66.1% more expensive on MSRP at $289 MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-12400F is also 17.6% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 95.5 PassMark/$), 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 i5-12400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2021). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-12400F vs Core i5-12600K Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-12600K

The Core i5-12600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,586 points. Launch price was $289.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-12600K offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-12600K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-12600K — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-12600K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-12600K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i5-12600K's 27,586 — a 34.2% lead for the Core i5-12600K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 12,380 vs 17,500 (34.3% advantage for the Core i5-12600K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 2,472, a 37% lead for the Core i5-12600K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 11,863 (179% advantage for the Core i5-12600K). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-12600K.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i5-12600K
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 16+67%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.9 GHz+11%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.7 GHz+48%
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+11%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)
PassMark	19,532	27,586+41%
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	17,500+41%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	2,472+45%
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	11,863+1706%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and Z690,B660 (Core i5-12600K).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i5-12600K
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	4800
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-12600K). The Core i5-12600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Core i5-12600K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; Core i5-12600K rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i5-12600K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core i5-12600K came in at $289. On launch pricing ($174 vs $289), Core i5-12400F was $115 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 95.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-12600K — making the Core i5-12400F the 16.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i5-12600K
MSRP	$174-40%	$289
Performance per Dollar	112.3+18%	95.5
Release Date	2022	2021

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