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 Ultra 5 228V 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 Ultra 5 228V: 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: +11.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+125% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Costs $121 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $295 MSRP).
✅Delivers 95.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 57.5 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $295 MSRP).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌282.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 228V can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 5 228V

2024

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 65W, a 48W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Arc 130V, 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 Cinebench R23 multi-core (9,932 vs 12,380).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 57.5 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($295 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core Ultra 5 228V?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 24.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 15.2% higher PassMark, 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 11.2% 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 i5-12400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 24.6% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 125% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 8 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 $121 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $295 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 95.3% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 57.5 PassMark/$), 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 Ultra 5 228V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12400F vs Core Ultra 5 228V 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 Ultra 5 228V

The Core Ultra 5 228V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,955 points. Launch price was $299.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 228V offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core Ultra 5 228V has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 228V — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 228V (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 Ultra 5 228V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core Ultra 5 228V's 16,955 — a 14.1% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 12,380 vs 9,932 (21.9% advantage for the Core i5-12400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 2,585, a 41.3% lead for the Core Ultra 5 228V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 10,053 (175.5% advantage for the Core Ultra 5 228V). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 8 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 228V.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core Ultra 5 228V
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 8+33%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.5 GHz+2%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+19%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+125%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2.5 MB (per core)+100%
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Lunar Lake (2024)
PassMark	19,532+15%	16,955
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380+25%	9,932
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	2,585+52%
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	10,053+1430%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 5 228V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 5 228V — the Core Ultra 5 228V supports 77.8% 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 8 (Core Ultra 5 228V) — the Core i5-12400F offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and SoC (Core Ultra 5 228V).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core Ultra 5 228V
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	LPDDR5X-8533+78%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+150%	8

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs Yes (Core Ultra 5 228V). The Core Ultra 5 228V includes integrated graphics (Arc 130V), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core Ultra 5 228V
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Arc 130V
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	Yes
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core Ultra 5 228V came in at $295. On launch pricing ($174 vs $295), Core i5-12400F was $121 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 57.5 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 228V — making the Core i5-12400F the 64.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core Ultra 5 228V
MSRP	$174-41%	$295
Performance per Dollar	112.3+95%	57.5
Release Date	2022	2024

Search Core i5-12400F on Amazon

Search Core Ultra 5 228V 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.