Core i5-14400 vs Core i7-12700H

Intel

Core i5-14400

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2024
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i7-12700H

14 Cores20 Thrd45 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2022
Core family
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Core i5-14400 vs Core i7-12700H 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 i5-14400 vs Core i7-12700H 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 i5-14400 vs Core i7-12700H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-14400

2024

Why buy it

  • Costs $236 less on MSRP ($221 MSRP vs $457 MSRP).
  • Delivers 106.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 114.6 vs 55.5 PassMark/$ ($221 MSRP vs $457 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (25,329 vs 25,365).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700H can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-12700H

2022

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +6.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe 96EU, while Core i5-14400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 55.5 vs 114.6 PassMark/$ ($457 MSRP vs $221 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-12700H better than Core i5-14400?
Yes. Core i7-12700H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-12700H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.3% 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 i7-12700H is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-12700H is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-14400 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-12700H comes in 106.8% more expensive on MSRP at $457 MSRP versus $221 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-14400 is also 106.5% better value on MSRP (114.6 vs 55.5 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-14400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-14400 vs Core i7-12700H Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-14400

The Core i5-14400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 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: 25,329 points. Launch price was $221.

Intel

Core i7-12700H

The Core i7-12700H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 25,365 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Core i5-14400 packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-12700H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700H has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i5-14400 versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-12700H — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-14400 uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-12700H uses Alder Lake-H (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14400 scores 25,329 against the Core i7-12700H's 25,365 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-12700H. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-14400 vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700H.

FeatureCore i5-14400Core i7-12700H
Cores / Threads
10 / 16
14 / 20+40%
Boost Clock
4.7 GHz
4.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+9%
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
20 MB (total)
24 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
Alder Lake-H (2022)
PassMark
25,329
25,365
Cinebench R23 Multi
15,453
Geekbench 6 Single
2,648
Geekbench 6 Multi
12,802
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-14400 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-12700H uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-14400Core i7-12700H
Socket
LGA1700
FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+25%
PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-14400) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700H). The Core i7-12700H includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe 96EU), while the Core i5-14400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-12700H targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700H rivals Ryzen 7 6800H.

FeatureCore i5-14400Core i7-12700H
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe 96EU
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-14400 was priced at $221, while the Core i7-12700H came in at $457. On launch pricing ($221 vs $457), Core i5-14400 was $236 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14400 delivers 114.6 pts/$ vs 55.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700H — making the Core i5-14400 the 69.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-14400Core i7-12700H
MSRP
$221-52%
$457
Performance per Dollar
114.6+106%
55.5
Release Date
2024
2022

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