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 Pentium G2140 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 Pentium G2140: 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: +323.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+500% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Delivers 436.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1155 and older memory support.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (657 vs 920).
❌
74% HIGHER MSRP
$174 MSRPvs$100 MSRP
❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium G2140 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Pentium G2140

2013

Why buy it

✅+40% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $74 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, 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.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.9 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA1155, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Pentium G2140?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-12400F is ahead with a 323.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G2140 pulls ahead with 40% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i5-12400F also has the bigger cache pool with 500% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G2140 is the stronger fit. You are getting 40% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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 74.0% more expensive on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 323.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Pentium G2140 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 40% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 436.6% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 20.9 PassMark/$), 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 2013), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1155, and 500% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 3 MB). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12400F vs Pentium G2140 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.

Pentium G2140

The Pentium G2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Pentium G2140 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 4 more cores. The Core i5-12400F is built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Pentium G2140's 2,092 — a 161.3% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 550, a 102.2% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 920 (33.4% advantage for the Pentium G2140). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2140.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Pentium G2140
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+200%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.3 GHz+32%
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+500%	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm-68%	22 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	—
PassMark	19,532+834%	2,092
Cinebench R23 Multi	12,380	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,700+209%	550
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	920+40%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G2140 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus DDR3-1600 on the Pentium G2140 — the Core i5-12400F supports 200% 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 16 (Pentium G2140) — the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and H61,B75 (Pentium G2140).

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Pentium G2140
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+200%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs VT-x (Pentium G2140). The Pentium G2140 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Pentium G2140 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Pentium G2140
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x
Target Use	Gaming Performance/Value	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Pentium G2140 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($174 vs $100), Pentium G2140 was $74 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 20.9 pts/$ for the Pentium G2140 — making the Core i5-12400F the 137.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Pentium G2140
MSRP	$174	$100-43%
Performance per Dollar	112.3+437%	20.9
Release Date	2022	2013

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