Core i5-12400F vs Core i7-720QM

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 i7-720QM 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 i7-720QM: 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: +439.7% higher average FPS across 32 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $190 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $364 MSRP).
✅Delivers 2364.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 4.6 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $364 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of PGA988 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-720QM

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 32 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,658 vs 19,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.6 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($364 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on PGA988, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i7-720QM?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 439.7% average FPS lead across 32 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1078% 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 439.7% more average FPS across 32 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 1078% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 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 $190 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $364 MSRP, and it still gives you a 439.7% average FPS lead across 32 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 2364.4% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 4.6 PassMark/$), 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 2009), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of PGA988, 200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 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 i7-720QM 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 i7-720QM

The Core i7-720QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,658 points. Launch price was $546.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-720QM 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 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-720QM — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-720QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i7-720QM's 1,658 — a 168.7% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-720QM.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-720QM
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+57%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+56%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+200%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-84%	45 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	19,532+1078%	1,658
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-720QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus 1333 on the Core i7-720QM — the Core i5-12400F supports 260.1% 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 8 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12400F) vs 16 (Core i7-720QM) — the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-720QM).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-720QM
Socket	LGA1700	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+260%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+1500%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs true (Core i7-720QM). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; Core i7-720QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-720QM
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	true
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core i7-720QM came in at $364. On launch pricing ($174 vs $364), Core i5-12400F was $190 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 4.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-720QM — making the Core i5-12400F the 184.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i7-720QM
MSRP	$174-52%	$364
Performance per Dollar	112.3+2341%	4.6
Release Date	2022	2009

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