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 i5-14500 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 i5-14500: 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 $65 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $239 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-14500 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (657 vs 15,000).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (18 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 112.3 vs 130.6 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $239 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-14500 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-14500

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB).
✅Delivers 16.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 130.6 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($239 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core i5-12400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌
37.4% HIGHER MSRP
$239 MSRPvs$174 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-14500 better than Core i5-12400F?

Yes. Core i5-14500 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2183.1% better Geekbench multi-core, 59.8% 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 i5-14500 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.2% 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 i5-14500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2183.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB).

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

Core i5-14500 is the better buy right now. Core i5-14500 comes in 37.4% more expensive on MSRP at $239 MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 16.3% better value on MSRP (130.6 vs 112.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-14500 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 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 i5-14500 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 i5-14500

The Core i5-14500 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 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 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: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 31,205 points. Launch price was $232.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-14500 offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-14500 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 5 GHz on the Core i5-14500 — a 12.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-14500 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-14500 uses Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i5-14500's 31,205 — a 46% lead for the Core i5-14500. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 2,700, a 45.5% lead for the Core i5-14500 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 15,000 (183.2% advantage for the Core i5-14500). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-14500.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i5-14500
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	14 / 20+133%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	5 GHz+14%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.6 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)	24 MB (total)+33%
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	31,205+60%
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	2,700+59%
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	15,000+2183%

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Core i5-14500 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. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and B760,Z790 (Core i5-14500).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i5-14500
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	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-14500). The Core i5-14500 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 i5-14500 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i5-14500
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	Mainstream Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core i5-14500 came in at $239. On launch pricing ($174 vs $239), Core i5-12400F was $65 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 130.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-14500 — making the Core i5-14500 the 15.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i5-14500
MSRP	$174-27%	$239
Performance per Dollar	112.3	130.6+16%
Release Date	2022	2024

Search Core i5-12400F on Amazon

Search Core i5-14500 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.