Core i5-12400F vs Xeon W-11855M

Intel

Core i5-12400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-11855M

6 Cores12 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2021
Similar parts
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Core i5-12400F vs Xeon W-11855M Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 W-11855M 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 W-11855M: 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: +8.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $276 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
  • Delivers 189.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 38.8 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1787 and DDR4.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Xeon W-11855M

2021

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (17,462 vs 19,532).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 38.8 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on FCBGA1787 with DDR4, while Core i5-12400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Xeon W-11855M?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-11855M 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 8.1% 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 11.9% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 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 $276 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $450 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 189.3% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 38.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-12400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2021), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of FCBGA1787, and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12400F vs Xeon W-11855M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon W-11855M

The Xeon W-11855M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 17,462 points. Launch price was $450.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-12400F and Xeon W-11855M share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.9 GHz on the Xeon W-11855M — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Xeon W-11855M (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 W-11855M uses Tiger Lake-H (2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Xeon W-11855M's 17,462 — a 11.2% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Both processors carry 18 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i5-12400FXeon W-11855M
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
4.9 GHz+11%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.2 GHz+28%
L3 Cache
18 MB (total)
18 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm-30%
10 nm SuperFin
Architecture
Alder Lake-S (2022)
Tiger Lake-H (2021)
PassMark
19,532+12%
17,462
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 W-11855M uses FCBGA1787 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-12400FXeon W-11855M
Socket
LGA1700
FCBGA1787
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
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 W-11855M). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureCore i5-12400FXeon W-11855M
Integrated GPU
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Gaming Performance/Value
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-12400F was priced at $174, while the Xeon W-11855M came in at $450. On launch pricing ($174 vs $450), Core i5-12400F was $276 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 112.3 pts/$ vs 38.8 pts/$ for the Xeon W-11855M — making the Core i5-12400F the 97.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-12400FXeon W-11855M
MSRP
$174-61%
$450
Performance per Dollar
112.3+189%
38.8
Release Date
2022
2021

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