Core Ultra 7 265K vs Core i5-12400F
Core Ultra 7 265K
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 Ultra 7 265K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($110) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+16%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ 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 Ultra 7 265K and Core i5-12400F
Core Ultra 7 265K
The Core Ultra 7 265K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 20 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 5.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 58,789 points. Launch price was $394.
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 Ultra 7 265K packs 20 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core Ultra 7 265K has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.5 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 265K versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 265K uses the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 265K scores 58,789 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 100.2% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 36,309 vs 12,380 (98.3% advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 3,283 vs 1,700, a 63.5% lead for the Core Ultra 7 265K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 22,293 vs 657 (188.5% advantage for the Core Ultra 7 265K). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 265K vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 20 / 20+233% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.5 GHz+25% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+56% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+67% | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB (per core)+140% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-57% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 58,789+201% | 19,532 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 36,309+193% | 12,380 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,283+93% | 1,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 22,293+3293% | 657 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 265K uses the LGA1851 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6400 memory speed. The Core Ultra 7 265K supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1851 (Core Ultra 7 265K) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F).
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6400 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 256 GB+100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 7 265K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F). The Core Ultra 7 265K includes integrated graphics (Arc Graphics 64EU), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Arc Graphics 64EU | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Performance/Value |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 7 265K launched at $309 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400F debuted at $174. At current prices ($285 vs $110), the Core i5-12400F is $175 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 265K delivers 206.3 pts/$ vs 177.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core Ultra 7 265K the 15% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 265K | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $309 | $174-44% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $110-61% |
| Performance per Dollar | 206.3+16% | 177.6 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2022 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core Ultra 7 265K and Core i5-12400F
