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 i5-2550K vs Core i5-12400F 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 i5-2550K vs Core i5-12400F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2550K

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (4,058 vs 12,380).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.0 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($235 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +150.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $61 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
✅Delivers 523.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 18.0 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i5-2550K?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 150.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 205.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 362.0% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-12400F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 150.7% 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 205.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 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 $61 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $235 MSRP, and it still gives you a 150.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 523.9% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 18.0 PassMark/$), 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 2012), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1155, 200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 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 i5-2550K vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2550K

The Core i5-2550K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,228 points. Launch price was $189.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2550K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-2550K versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 14.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-2550K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2550K scores 4,228 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 128.8% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 4,058 vs 12,380 (101.3% advantage for the Core i5-12400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 707 vs 1,700, a 82.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,010 vs 657 (101.5% advantage for the Core i5-2550K). L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2550K vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

Feature	Core i5-2550K	Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.4 GHz+16%
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+36%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	18 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)+400%
Process	32 nm	Intel 7 nm-78%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	4,228	19,532+362%
Cinebench R23 Multi	4,058	12,380+205%
Geekbench 6 Single	707	1,700+140%
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,010+206%	657

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2550K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-2550K versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — 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: 16 (Core i5-2550K) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z77,Z75,Q77,H77,Q75,B75,Z68,P67,H67,Q67,B65,H61 (Core i5-2550K) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).

Feature	Core i5-2550K	Core i5-12400F
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+200%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-2550K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

Feature	Core i5-2550K	Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU	No	No
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Gaming Performance/Value

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2550K was priced at $235, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($235 vs $174), Core i5-12400F was $61 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2550K delivers 18.0 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 144.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2550K	Core i5-12400F
MSRP	$235	$174-26%
Performance per Dollar	18.0	112.3+524%
Release Date	2012	2022

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