Core i9-12900F vs Core i5-10400F
Core i9-12900F
Core i5-10400F
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. 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 i9-12900F
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($370) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($370) | ✅ More affordable ($102) |
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 i9-12900F and Core i5-10400F
Core i9-12900F
The Core i9-12900F 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 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: 35,873 points. Launch price was $499.
Core i5-10400F
The Core i5-10400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,029 points. Launch price was $155.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i5-10400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-12900F has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900F versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-10400F — a 17% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900F (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i9-12900F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-10400F uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900F scores 35,873 against the Core i5-10400F's 13,029 — a 93.4% lead for the Core i9-12900F. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10400F.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+167% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+19% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.9 GHz+21% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+150% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 35,873+175% | 13,029 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,191 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,454 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 5,783 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-10400F uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i9-12900F versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400F — the Core i9-12900F supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900F) vs 16 (Core i5-10400F) — the Core i9-12900F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900F) and H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400F).
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i5-10400F targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900F rivals Ryzen 9 5900X; Core i5-10400F rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900F launched at $494 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400F debuted at $160. At current prices ($370 vs $102), the Core i5-10400F is $268 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900F delivers 97.0 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400F — making the Core i5-10400F the 27.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Core i5-10400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $494 | $160-68% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $370 | $102-72% |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.0 | 127.7+32% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-12900F and Core i5-10400F
