Core i5-12400F vs A12-9800E
Core i5-12400F
A12-9800E
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 i5-12400F
Performance Per Dollar A12-9800E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | A12-9800E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | A12-9800E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+680%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
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 i5-12400F and A12-9800E
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.
A12-9800E
The A12-9800E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,416 points. Launch price was $105.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the A12-9800E offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 3.8 GHz on the A12-9800E — a 14.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the A12-9800E uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the A12-9800E's 3,416 — a 140.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 651, a 89.2% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 0 kB on the A12-9800E.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | A12-9800E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+16% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.1 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2048 kB+60% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-75% | 28 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 19,532+472% | 3,416 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,380 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,700+161% | 651 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 657 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A12-9800E uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus DDR4-2400 on the A12-9800E — the Core i5-12400F supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-12400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12400F) vs 8 (A12-9800E) — the Core i5-12400F offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and A320,B350,X370 (A12-9800E).
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | A12-9800E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25% | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+150% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs AMD-V (A12-9800E). The A12-9800E includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, A12-9800E targets Low Power. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; A12-9800E rivals Pentium G4600T.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | A12-9800E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Radeon R7 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | Low Power |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12400F launched at $174 MSRP, while the A12-9800E debuted at $426. At current prices ($110 vs $150), the Core i5-12400F is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 177.6 pts/$ vs 22.8 pts/$ for the A12-9800E — making the Core i5-12400F the 154.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | A12-9800E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-59% | $426 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110-27% | $150 |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.6+679% | 22.8 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2017 |
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