
Core i5-12400F vs Core i5-1240P

Core i5-12400F

Core i5-1240P
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 Core i5-1240P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-1240P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-P (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-1240P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+119%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
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 Core i5-1240P

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.

Core i5-1240P
The Core i5-1240P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 16,224 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-1240P offers 12 cores / 16 threads — the Core i5-1240P has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-1240P — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-1240P uses Alder Lake-P (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i5-1240P's 16,224 — a 18.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 12,380 vs 11,268 (9.4% advantage for the Core i5-12400F). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 2,102, a 21.1% lead for the Core i5-1240P that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 7,577 (168.1% advantage for the Core i5-1240P). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-1240P.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-1240P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 12 / 16+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+47% | 1.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total)+50% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Alder Lake-P (2022) |
| PassMark | 19,532+20% | 16,224 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,380+10% | 11,268 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,700 | 2,102+24% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 657 | 7,577+1053% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-1240P uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. 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. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and Alder Lake-P (Core i5-1240P).
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-1240P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA1744 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-1240P). The Core i5-1240P includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Core i5-1240P targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; Core i5-1240P rivals Ryzen 5 6600U.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-1240P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Iris Xe Graphics |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12400F launched at $174 MSRP, while the Core i5-1240P debuted at $309. At current prices ($110 vs $200), the Core i5-12400F is $90 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 177.6 pts/$ vs 81.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-1240P — making the Core i5-12400F the 74.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-1240P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-44% | $309 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110-45% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.6+119% | 81.1 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2022 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.














