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 245KF 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 245KF: 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 $120 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core Ultra 5 245KF.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 5 245KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (19,532 vs 43,424).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (18 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 112.3 vs 147.7 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 5 245KF can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core Ultra 5 245KF

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +23.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB).
✅Delivers 31.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 147.7 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores), while Core i5-12400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌
69% HIGHER MSRP
$294 MSRPvs$174 MSRP
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 5 245KF better than Core i5-12400F?

Yes. Core Ultra 5 245KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 23.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 122.3% 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 Ultra 5 245KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 23.6% 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 Ultra 5 245KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 122.3% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 14 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB).

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

Core Ultra 5 245KF is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 5 245KF comes in 69.0% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 31.6% better value on MSRP (147.7 vs 112.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1700 + DDR5 setup, Core i5-12400F can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core Ultra 5 245KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 18 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 14 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12400F vs Core Ultra 5 245KF 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 245KF

The Core Ultra 5 245KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 43,424 points. Launch price was $294.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245KF has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245KF — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245KF (base: 2.5 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core Ultra 5 245KF's 43,424 — a 75.9% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245KF. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245KF.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core Ultra 5 245KF
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	14 / 14+133%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	5.2 GHz+18%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	4.2 GHz+68%
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)	24 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	3 MB (per core)+140%
Process	Intel 7 nm	3 nm-57%
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025)
PassMark	19,532	43,424+122%
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245KF uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245KF — the Core Ultra 5 245KF supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245KF 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 Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245KF).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core Ultra 5 245KF
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1851
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 5 245KF). The Core Ultra 5 245KF includes integrated graphics (Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)), 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; Core Ultra 5 245KF rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core Ultra 5 245KF
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores)
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Core Ultra 5 245KF came in at $294. On launch pricing ($174 vs $294), Core i5-12400F was $120 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 147.7 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 245KF — making the Core Ultra 5 245KF the 27.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP	$174-41%	$294
Performance per Dollar	112.3	147.7+32%
Release Date	2022	2024

Search Core i5-12400F on Amazon

Search Core Ultra 5 245KF 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.