Core i5-12400F vs Xeon E-2104G

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 Xeon E-2104G 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 Xeon E-2104G: 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: +122.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+125% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Costs $19 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $193 MSRP).
✅Delivers 269.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 30.4 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $193 MSRP).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon E-2104G

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,858 vs 19,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 30.4 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($193 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Xeon E-2104G?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2104G makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-12400F is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-12400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 122.1% 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 233.4% better PassMark, 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 $19 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $193 MSRP, and it still gives you a 122.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 269.8% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 30.4 PassMark/$), 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 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 125% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12400F vs Xeon E-2104G 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.

Xeon E-2104G

The Xeon E-2104G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 July 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 5,858 points. Launch price was $193.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E-2104G 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 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E-2104G — a 31.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon E-2104G uses Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Xeon E-2104G's 5,858 — a 107.7% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E-2104G.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Xeon E-2104G
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+38%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+125%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019)
PassMark	19,532+233%	5,858
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 Xeon E-2104G uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Xeon E-2104G
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
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 (Xeon E-2104G). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Xeon E-2104G
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 Xeon E-2104G came in at $193. On launch pricing ($174 vs $193), Core i5-12400F was $19 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 30.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E-2104G — making the Core i5-12400F the 114.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-12400F	Xeon E-2104G
MSRP	$174-10%	$193
Performance per Dollar	112.3+269%	30.4
Release Date	2022	2018

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