Core i5-12400F vs Core i5-12600
Core i5-12400F
Core i5-12600
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 i5-12600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-12600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-12600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+108%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
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 i5-12600
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 i5-12600
The Core i5-12600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FP7/FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR5x, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,383 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-12400F and Core i5-12600 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-12600 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-12600 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i5-12600's 21,383 — a 9% lead for the Core i5-12600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 2,400, a 34.1% lead for the Core i5-12600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 10,400 (176.2% advantage for the Core i5-12600). Both processors carry 18 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-12600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.8 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.3 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | 18 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-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 19,532 | 21,383+9% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,380 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,700 | 2,400+41% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 657 | 10,400+1483% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-12600 uses FP7/FP8 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. 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 B660,Z690 (Core i5-12600).
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-12600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FP7/FP8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 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 i5-12600). The Core i5-12600 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Core i5-12600 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; Core i5-12600 rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-12600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12400F launched at $174 MSRP, while the Core i5-12600 debuted at $233. At current prices ($110 vs $250), the Core i5-12400F is $140 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 177.6 pts/$ vs 85.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-12600 — making the Core i5-12400F the 70% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i5-12600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-25% | $233 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110-56% | $250 |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.6+108% | 85.5 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2022 |
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