FX-4170 vs Core i5-12400F
FX-4170
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 FX-4170 is positioned at rank #796 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 FX-4170
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-4170 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($23) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-4170 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+31%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($23) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 FX-4170 and Core i5-12400F
FX-4170
The FX-4170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 February 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,121 points. Launch price was $69.
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 FX-4170 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-12400F offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the FX-4170 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F — a 2.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 4.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The FX-4170 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-12400F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the FX-4170 scores 3,121 against the Core i5-12400F's 19,532 — a 144.9% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 8192 kB on the FX-4170 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F.
| Feature | FX-4170 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.4 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+68% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB | 18 MB (total)+125% |
| L2 Cache | 4096 kB+220% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | Intel 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 3,121 | 19,532+526% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 12,380 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 657 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-4170 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-12400F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-4170 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | 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 (FX-4170) / 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 | FX-4170 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Performance/Value |
Value Analysis
The FX-4170 launched at $157 MSRP, while the Core i5-12400F debuted at $174. At current prices ($23 vs $110), the FX-4170 is $87 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-4170 delivers 135.7 pts/$ vs 177.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-12400F — making the Core i5-12400F the 26.7% better value option.
| Feature | FX-4170 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $157-10% | $174 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $23-79% | $110 |
| Performance per Dollar | 135.7 | 177.6+31% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2022 |
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