Core i5-12400F vs Core i7-1160G7

CPU

GPU

Core i5-12400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022

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Core i7-1160G7

4 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2020

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Core i5-12400F vs Core i7-1160G7 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-12400F

6 / 12

19,532

+124.0%

8,720

0.0%

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 i7-1160G7 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 i7-1160G7: 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

✅Better for gaming: +45.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $252 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Delivers 448.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1598 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1160G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-1160G7

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i5-12400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,720 vs 19,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on FCBGA1598 with DDR4, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i7-1160G7?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 45.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 124% 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 i5-12400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 45.1% 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 124% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 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 $252 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 45.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 448.4% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 FCBGA1598, 50% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 12 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 i5-12400F vs Core i7-1160G7 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 i7-1160G7

The Core i7-1160G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1598. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,720 points. Launch price was $426.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-1160G7 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-1160G7 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-1160G7 uses Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i7-1160G7's 8,720 — a 76.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 1,758, a 3.4% lead for the Core i7-1160G7 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1160G7.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-1160G7
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+108%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+50%	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm SuperFin
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021)
PassMark	19,532+124%	8,720
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	1,758+3%
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-1160G7 uses FCBGA1598 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus LPDDR4x-4267 on the Core i7-1160G7 — the Core i5-12400F supports 12.5% 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 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12400F) vs 4 (Core i7-1160G7) — the Core i5-12400F offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and Tiger Lake-UP3 (Core i7-1160G7).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-1160G7
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA1598
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+12%	LPDDR4x-4267
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+400%	4

🔧

Advanced Features

Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i7-1160G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Core i7-1160G7 targets Premium Ultrabook/Tablet. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; Core i7-1160G7 rivals Ryzen 7 4800U.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-1160G7
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	Premium Ultrabook/Tablet

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core i7-1160G7 came in at $426. On launch pricing ($174 vs $426), Core i5-12400F was $252 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-1160G7 — making the Core i5-12400F the 138.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-1160G7
MSRP	$174-59%	$426
Performance per Dollar	112.3+448%	20.5
Release Date	2022	2020

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