
Core i5-12500T vs Core i5-12400F

Core i5-12500T

Core i5-12400F
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12500T
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12500T | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($214) | ✅ More affordable ($110) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12500T | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+133%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($214) | ✅ More affordable ($110) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-12500T and Core i5-12400F

Core i5-12500T
The Core i5-12500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 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 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 16,339 points. Launch price was $299.

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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-12500T and Core i5-12400F share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12500T versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-12500T scores 16,339 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 17.8% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 6,625 vs 12,380 (60.6% advantage for the Core i5-12400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,300 vs 1,700, a 30% lead for the Core i5-12500T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,900 vs 657 (172.5% advantage for the Core i5-12500T). Both processors carry 18 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-12500T | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.5 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 16,339 | 19,532+20% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 6,625 | 12,380+87% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,300+35% | 1,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,900+1255% | 657 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B660,H610 (Core i5-12500T) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).
| Feature | Core i5-12500T | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-12500T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The Core i5-12500T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12500T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12500T rivals Ryzen 5 5600GE; Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i5-12500T | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | Gaming Performance/Value |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12500T launched at $302 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400F debuted at $174. At current prices ($214 vs $110), the Core i5-12400F is $104 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12500T delivers 76.4 pts/$ vs 177.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 79.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12500T | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $302 | $174-42% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $214 | $110-49% |
| Performance per Dollar | 76.4 | 177.6+132% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2022 |
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