Core i5-6442EQ vs Core i5-12400F

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 i5-6442EQ 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 i5-6442EQ 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 i5-6442EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 65W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12400F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,483 vs 19,532).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 18 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.9 vs 112.3 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $174 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-12400F.

Core i5-12400F

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +148.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $76 less on MSRP ($174 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 526.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 112.3 vs 17.9 PassMark/$ ($174 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌160% higher power demand at 65W vs 25W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12400F better than Core i5-6442EQ?

Yes. Core i5-12400F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 148.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 335.7% better 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 148.8% 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 335.7% better PassMark, 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 $76 cheaper on MSRP at $174 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 148.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 526.0% better value on MSRP (112.3 vs 17.9 PassMark/$), 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 2015), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of the older platform, 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 i5-6442EQ vs Core i5-12400F Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6442EQ

The Core i5-6442EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 4,483 points. Launch price was $250.

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 i5-6442EQ 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 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-6442EQ versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 79.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F. The Core i5-6442EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6442EQ scores 4,483 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 125.3% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6442EQ vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

Feature	Core i5-6442EQ	Core i5-12400F
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	4.4 GHz+132%
Base Clock	—	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	18 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	1 MB	1.25 MB (per core)+25%
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	4,483	19,532+336%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	12,380
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,700
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	657

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6442EQ) / 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 i5-6442EQ	Core i5-12400F
Integrated GPU	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Gaming Performance/Value

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6442EQ was priced at $250, while the Core i5-12400F came in at $174. On launch pricing ($250 vs $174), Core i5-12400F was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6442EQ delivers 17.9 pts/$ vs 112.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 144.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6442EQ	Core i5-12400F
MSRP	$250	$174-30%
Performance per Dollar	17.9	112.3+527%
Release Date	2015	2022

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