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 i9-14900HX 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 i9-14900HX: 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 $494 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $668 MSRP).
✅Delivers 67.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 66.9 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $668 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-14900HX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (12,380 vs 35,000).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (18 MB vs 36 MB).
❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-14900HX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i9-14900HX

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +22.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 18 MB).
✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 770, while Core i5-12400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 66.9 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($668 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-14900HX better than Core i5-12400F?

Yes. Core i9-14900HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 22.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 182.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 128.8% 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 i9-14900HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.3% 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 i9-14900HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 182.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 18 MB).

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

Core i9-14900HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-12400F is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-14900HX comes in 283.9% more expensive on MSRP at $668 MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-12400F is also 67.8% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 66.9 PassMark/$), 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 i9-14900HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022), 100% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 18 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12400F vs Core i9-14900HX 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 i9-14900HX

The Core i9-14900HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX Refresh (2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.7 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 44,685 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-14900HX offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-14900HX has 18 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 5.7 GHz on the Core i9-14900HX — a 25.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-14900HX (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-14900HX uses Raptor Lake-HX Refresh (2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i9-14900HX's 44,685 — a 78.3% lead for the Core i9-14900HX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 12,380 vs 35,000 (95.5% advantage for the Core i9-14900HX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 3,000, a 55.3% lead for the Core i9-14900HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 17,500 (185.5% advantage for the Core i9-14900HX). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-14900HX.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i9-14900HX
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	24 / 32+300%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	5.7 GHz+30%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+14%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)	36 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+60%
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Raptor Lake-HX Refresh (2024)
PassMark	19,532	44,685+129%
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	35,000+183%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	3,000+76%
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	17,500+2564%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-14900HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-14900HX — the Core i9-14900HX supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-14900HX 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 HM770,WM790 (Core i9-14900HX).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i9-14900HX
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA1964
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200+17%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i9-14900HX includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Core i9-14900HX targets Flagship Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; Core i9-14900HX rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i9-14900HX
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	Flagship Gaming Laptop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core i9-14900HX came in at $668. On launch pricing ($174 vs $668), Core i5-12400F was $494 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 66.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-14900HX — making the Core i5-12400F the 50.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core i9-14900HX
MSRP	$174-74%	$668
Performance per Dollar	112.3+68%	66.9
Release Date	2022	2024

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