Core i5-12400F vs Core i7-11850HE
Core i5-12400F
Core i7-11850HE
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 i7-11850HE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Core i7-11850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($75) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Tiger Lake-H (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Core i7-11850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+60%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($75) |
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 i7-11850HE
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 i7-11850HE
The Core i7-11850HE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 August 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,365 points. Launch price was $400.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-11850HE offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-11850HE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-11850HE — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-11850HE (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-11850HE uses Tiger Lake-H (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Core i7-11850HE's 21,365 — a 9% lead for the Core i7-11850HE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 1,984, a 15.4% lead for the Core i7-11850HE that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i7-11850HE.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i7-11850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.7 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+19% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | 24 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Tiger Lake-H (2021) |
| PassMark | 19,532 | 21,365+9% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,380 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,700 | 1,984+17% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 657 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-11850HE uses FCBGA1787 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11850HE — the Core i5-12400F supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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 RM590E,QM580E (Core i7-11850HE).
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i7-11850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA1787 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i7-11850HE includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Core i7-11850HE targets Embedded/Industrial. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; Core i7-11850HE rivals Ryzen Embedded V3000.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i7-11850HE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | Embedded/Industrial |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12400F launched at $174 MSRP, while the Core i7-11850HE debuted at $400. At current prices ($110 vs $75), the Core i7-11850HE is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 177.6 pts/$ vs 284.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-11850HE — making the Core i7-11850HE the 46.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Core i7-11850HE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-56% | $400 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110 | $75-32% |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.6 | 284.9+60% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2021 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-12400F and Core i7-11850HE
