Core i7-980X vs Core i5-12400F
Core i7-980X
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. The Core i7-980X is positioned at rank #1052 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-980X
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-980X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Gulftown (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-980X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+291%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ 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 i7-980X and Core i5-12400F
Core i7-980X
The Core i7-980X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,817 points. Launch price was $959.
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 i7-980X and Core i5-12400F share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980X versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 3.33 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-980X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-980X scores 6,817 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 96.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-980X vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.
| Feature | Core i7-980X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 3.33 GHz+33% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 18 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 32 nm | Intel 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Gulftown (2010−2011) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 6,817 | 19,532+187% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 12,380 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 657 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-980X uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-980X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-980X) / 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 i7-980X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Performance/Value |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-980X launched at $999 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400F debuted at $174. At current prices ($150 vs $110), the Core i5-12400F is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-980X delivers 45.4 pts/$ vs 177.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 118.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-980X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $999 | $174-83% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | $110-27% |
| Performance per Dollar | 45.4 | 177.6+291% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2022 |
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