Core i5-12400F vs M2 Max
Core i5-12400F
M2 Max
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 M2 Max
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 5 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 M2 Max
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.
M2 Max
The M2 Max is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 17 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.424 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 48 MB. L2 cache: 36 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: none. Thermal design power (TDP): 36 MB + 48 MB. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 26,824 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the M2 Max offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the M2 Max has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 3.7 GHz on the M2 Max — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.424 GHz). The Core i5-12400F is built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the M2 Max's 26,824 — a 31.5% lead for the M2 Max. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 48 MB on the M2 Max.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 12 / 12+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+19% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz+3% | 2.424 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | 48 MB+167% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 36 MB+2780% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 5 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | — |
| PassMark | 19,532 | 26,824+37% |
| 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 M2 Max uses none (PCIe 4.0) — 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 96 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-12400F) vs 4 (M2 Max). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12400F) vs 0 (M2 Max) — the Core i5-12400F offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | none |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | LPDDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+33% | 96 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs Virtualization (M2 Max). The M2 Max includes integrated graphics (Apple M2 Max GPU), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, M2 Max targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | M2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Apple M2 Max GPU |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | Virtualization |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | Mobile |
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