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 i7-1260P 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 i7-1260P: 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 $258 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $432 MSRP).
✅Delivers 192.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 38.4 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $432 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-1260P.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,700 vs 2,424).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (657 vs 9,532).
❌132.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 28W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1260P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-1260P

2022

Why buy it

✅+42.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 28W instead of 65W, a 37W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i5-12400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 38.4 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($432 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-1260P better than Core i5-12400F?

Yes. Core i7-1260P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1350.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 i7-1260P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 i7-1260P is the stronger fit. You are getting 1350.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 16 threads.

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

Core i7-1260P is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-12400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-1260P comes in 148.3% more expensive on MSRP at $432 MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-12400F is also 192.3% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 38.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-1260P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 12 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 i7-1260P 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 i7-1260P

The Core i7-1260P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,592 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-1260P offers 12 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-1260P has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-1260P — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-1260P (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-1260P uses Alder Lake-P (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i7-1260P's 16,592 — a 16.3% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 2,424, a 35.1% lead for the Core i7-1260P that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 9,532 (174.2% advantage for the Core i7-1260P). Both processors carry 18 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-1260P
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	12 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.7 GHz+7%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+19%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)	18 MB (total)
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-P (2022)
PassMark	19,532+18%	16,592
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	2,424+43%
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	9,532+1351%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-1260P uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. 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. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and Adler Lake-P PCH (Core i7-1260P).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-1260P
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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 i7-1260P). The Core i7-1260P includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Core i7-1260P targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-1260P
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	High Performance Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core i7-1260P came in at $432. On launch pricing ($174 vs $432), Core i5-12400F was $258 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 38.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-1260P — making the Core i5-12400F the 98% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-1260P
MSRP	$174-60%	$432
Performance per Dollar	112.3+192%	38.4
Release Date	2022	2022

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