Core i5-12400F vs N100

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 N100 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 N100: 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: +124.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Delivers 168.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 41.8 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $128 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike N100.

Trade-offs

❌
35.9% HIGHER MSRP
$174 MSRPvs$128 MSRP
❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

N100

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $46 less on MSRP ($128 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,355 vs 19,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 41.8 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($128 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than N100?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 124.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 264.7% better 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 124.8% 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 264.7% 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 35.9% more expensive on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $128 MSRP, and it still gives you a 124.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 168.3% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 41.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

N100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-12400F vs N100 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.

N100

The N100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 5,355 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the N100 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 3.4 GHz on the N100 — a 25.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F. The Core i5-12400F is built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the N100's 5,355 — a 113.9% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N100.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	N100
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+29%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+200%	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	—
PassMark	19,532+265%	5,355
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 N100 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	N100
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) / not specified (N100). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	N100
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 N100 came in at $128. On launch pricing ($174 vs $128), N100 was $46 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 41.8 pts/$ for the N100 — making the Core i5-12400F the 91.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	N100
MSRP	$174	$128-26%
Performance per Dollar	112.3+169%	41.8
Release Date	2022	2023

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