Core i5-12400F vs Microsoft SQ1

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 Microsoft SQ1 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 Microsoft SQ1: 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: +77.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+800% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $126 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 457.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,039 vs 19,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Microsoft SQ1?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 77.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 223.4% 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 77.3% 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 i5-12400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 223.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 800% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 2 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 $126 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 77.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 457.6% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), 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 2019), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of the older platform, 800% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12400F vs Microsoft SQ1 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.

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 37.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F. The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 105.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Microsoft SQ1
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 8+33%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+47%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+800%	2 MB
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm	7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)
PassMark	19,532+223%	6,039
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) / not specified (Microsoft SQ1). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Microsoft SQ1
Integrated GPU	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Microsoft SQ1 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($174 vs $300), Core i5-12400F was $126 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 20.1 pts/$ for the Microsoft SQ1 — making the Core i5-12400F the 139.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Microsoft SQ1
MSRP	$174-42%	$300
Performance per Dollar	112.3+459%	20.1
Release Date	2022	2019

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