Core i5-12400F vs Core i5-14400F

Intel

Core i5-12400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i5-14400F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2024
Core family
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Core i5-12400F vs Core i5-14400F 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 i5-12400F vs Core i5-14400F 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 i5-14400F: 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 $22 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-14400F.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (19,532 vs 25,670).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 112.3 vs 131.0 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Core i5-14400F

2024

Why buy it

  • Delivers 16.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 131.0 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 12.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $196 MSRPvs$174 MSRP
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-14400F better than Core i5-12400F?
Yes. Core i5-14400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 31.4% better 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 i5-14400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i5-14400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 31.4% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-14400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-14400F comes in 12.6% more expensive on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 16.7% better value on MSRP (131.0 vs 112.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-14400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-12400F vs Core i5-14400F Technical Specifications

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

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.

Intel

Core i5-14400F

The Core i5-14400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 25,670 points. Launch price was $196.

Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-14400F offers 10 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-14400F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i5-14400F — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-14400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-14400F uses Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i5-14400F's 25,670 — a 27.2% lead for the Core i5-14400F. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-14400F.

FeatureCore i5-12400FCore i5-14400F
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
10 / 16+67%
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
4.7 GHz+7%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
2.5 GHz
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)
Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
PassMark
19,532
25,670+31%
Cinebench R23 Multi
12,380
Geekbench 6 Single
1,700
Geekbench 6 Multi
657
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Core i5-14400F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i5-12400FCore i5-14400F
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
192 GB+50%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-14400F). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Core i5-14400F targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureCore i5-12400FCore i5-14400F
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming Performance/Value
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core i5-14400F came in at $196. On launch pricing ($174 vs $196), Core i5-12400F was $22 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 131.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-14400F — making the Core i5-14400F the 15.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-12400FCore i5-14400F
MSRP
$174-11%
$196
Performance per Dollar
112.3
131.0+17%
Release Date
2022
2024

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