Core i9-9900X vs Core i5-12400F
Core i9-9900X
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. 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 i9-9900X
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9900X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($110) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9900X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+146%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ 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 i9-9900X and Core i5-12400F
Core i9-9900X
The Core i9-9900X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 21,655 points. Launch price was $989.
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 i9-9900X packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-9900X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9900X versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 2.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-9900X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-9900X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9900X scores 21,655 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 10.3% lead for the Core i9-9900X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 13,985 vs 12,380 (12.2% advantage for the Core i9-9900X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,459 vs 1,700, a 15.3% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 9,475 vs 657 (174.1% advantage for the Core i9-9900X). L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900X vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.
| Feature | Core i9-9900X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+67% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+2% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+40% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB (total)+7% | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 21,655+11% | 19,532 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 13,985+13% | 12,380 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,459 | 1,700+17% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 9,475+1342% | 657 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9900X uses the LGA2066 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 DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9900X versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F — the Core i5-12400F supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9900X) vs 2 (Core i5-12400F). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9900X) vs 20 (Core i5-12400F) — the Core i9-9900X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9900X) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).
| Feature | Core i9-9900X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+120% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9900X) 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 i9-9900X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Performance/Value |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9900X launched at $989 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400F debuted at $174. At current prices ($300 vs $110), the Core i5-12400F is $190 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9900X delivers 72.2 pts/$ vs 177.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 84.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9900X | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $989 | $174-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300 | $110-63% |
| Performance per Dollar | 72.2 | 177.6+146% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2022 |
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