Core i5-12400F vs FX-9590
Core i5-12400F
FX-9590
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 FX-9590
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | FX-9590 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | FX-9590 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+74%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
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 FX-9590
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.
FX-9590
The FX-9590 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 July 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 220 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 10,194 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the FX-9590 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-9590 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 5 GHz on the FX-9590 — a 12.8% clock advantage for the FX-9590 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the FX-9590 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the FX-9590's 10,194 — a 62.8% lead for the Core i5-12400F.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | FX-9590 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 5 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 4.7 GHz+88% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 8192 kB+540% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 19,532+92% | 10,194 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,380 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,700 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 657 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-9590 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | FX-9590 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) / not specified (FX-9590). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | FX-9590 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12400F launched at $174 MSRP, while the FX-9590 debuted at $350. At current prices ($110 vs $100), the FX-9590 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 177.6 pts/$ vs 101.9 pts/$ for the FX-9590 — making the Core i5-12400F the 54.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | FX-9590 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-50% | $350 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110 | $100-9% |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.6+74% | 101.9 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2013 |
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