Core i7-4700EQ
VS
Core i5-12400F

Core i7-4700EQ vs Core i5-12400F

Intel

Core i7-4700EQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2013
VS
Intel

Core i5-12400F

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2022

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. The Core i7-4700EQ is positioned at rank #994 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4700EQ

#982
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
2047%
#983
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
2017%
#984
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1852%
#985
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1844%
#986
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1827%
#988
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1764%
#989
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1692%
#990
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1689%
#991
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1643%
#994
Core i7-4700EQ
MSRP: $378|Avg: $180
100%
#995
Core i3-8145UE
MSRP: $281|Avg: $50
100%
#996
Core i7-4712MQ
MSRP: $378|Avg: $60
98%
#997
Core i7-3615QE
MSRP: $400|Avg: $100
98%
#998
Celeron M U3400
MSRP: $86|Avg: $5
98%
#999
3015Ce
MSRP: $150|Avg: $40
98%
#1000
Core i7-4700MQ
MSRP: $383|Avg: $50
97%
#1001
Athlon II M340
MSRP: $80|Avg: $15
97%
#1005
Pentium P6000
MSRP: $150|Avg: $90
95%
#1007
Core i7-3630QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
95%
#1008
Core i7-3610QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
95%
#1009
Core i3-1115GRE
MSRP: $338|Avg: $480
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F

#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
121%
#16
Core Ultra 5 225F
MSRP: $231|Avg: $150
118%
#17
Core Ultra 7 265K
MSRP: $309|Avg: $285
116%
#18
Ryzen 9 3900
MSRP: $499|Avg: $150
115%
#19
Ryzen 5 3600X
MSRP: $249|Avg: $90
113%
#20
Core i7-14700KF
MSRP: $384|Avg: $260
113%
#21
Core i7-14700K
MSRP: $409|Avg: $270
109%
#22
Ryzen 5 4500
MSRP: $129|Avg: $85
106%
#23
Ryzen 5 5600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $115
106%
#24
Celeron G5925
MSRP: $62|Avg: $15
105%
#25
Ryzen 5 7500F
MSRP: $179|Avg: $145
104%
#26
Core Ultra 5 245
MSRP: $319|Avg: $220
103%
#27
Ryzen 7 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $86
102%
#28
Core Ultra 7 265KF
MSRP: $379|Avg: $323
102%
#29
Core Ultra 7 265F
MSRP: $369|Avg: $276
100%
#30
Core i5-12400F
MSRP: $174|Avg: $110
100%
#31
Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G
MSRP: $130|Avg: $80
99%
#32
Ryzen 7 2700X
MSRP: $329|Avg: $100
98%
#33
Core i3-10100F
MSRP: $88|Avg: $50
98%
#34
Ryzen 5 7400F
MSRP: $150|Avg: $147
98%
#35
Ryzen 5 9600X
MSRP: $279|Avg: $178
95%
#36
Ryzen 7 3800X
MSRP: $399|Avg: $140
93%
#37
Ryzen 3 5300G
MSRP: $130|Avg: $80
92%
#38
Ryzen 9 7900X
MSRP: $549|Avg: $316
91%
#39
Ryzen 5 5600X
MSRP: $299|Avg: $135
91%
#40
Core i5-14600KF
MSRP: $304|Avg: $239
91%
#41
Ryzen 7 5800
MSRP: $349|Avg: $160
91%
#42
Core i3-14100F
MSRP: $109|Avg: $96
90%
#43
Ryzen 7 3700X
MSRP: $329|Avg: $140
90%
#44
Ryzen 5 7600X
MSRP: $299|Avg: $178
90%
#45
Ryzen 3 3100
MSRP: $99|Avg: $75
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i5-12400F (2022) utilizes Intel 7 nm technology and DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCore i7-4700EQCore i5-12400F
Gaming
Superior gaming performance
Lower gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($180)
More affordable ($110)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Crystalwell (2013−2014) / 22 nm)
✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i7-4700EQ (2013) relies on 22 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCore i7-4700EQCore i5-12400F
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Better overall value (+490%)
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($180)
More affordable ($110)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i7-4700EQ and Core i5-12400F

Intel

Core i7-4700EQ

The Core i7-4700EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,417 points. Launch price was $149.

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.

Processing Power

The Core i7-4700EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700EQ versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 25.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-4700EQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700EQ scores 5,417 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 113.2% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4700EQ vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.

FeatureCore i7-4700EQCore i5-12400F
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
4.4 GHz+29%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
2.5 GHz+4%
L3 Cache
8192 kB (total)
18 MB (total)+125%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)+400%
Process
22 nm
Intel 7 nm-68%
Architecture
Crystalwell (2013−2014)
Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark
5,417
19,532+261%
Cinebench R23 Multi
12,380
Geekbench 6 Single
1,700
Geekbench 6 Multi
657
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700EQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4700EQ versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 50% 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 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-4700EQ) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i5-12400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i7-4700EQCore i5-12400F
Socket
BGA1364
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+67%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
20+25%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4700EQ) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The Core i7-4700EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4700EQ targets Mobile, Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.

FeatureCore i7-4700EQCore i5-12400F
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Mobile
Gaming Performance/Value
💰

Value Analysis

The Core i7-4700EQ launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400F debuted at $174. At current prices ($180 vs $110), the Core i5-12400F is $70 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4700EQ delivers 30.1 pts/$ vs 177.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 142% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4700EQCore i5-12400F
MSRP
$378
$174-54%
Avg Price (30d)
$180
$110-39%
Performance per Dollar
30.1
177.6+490%
Release Date
2013
2022