Core i5-12400F vs Phenom X4 9600B
Core i5-12400F
Phenom X4 9600B
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 Phenom X4 9600B
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+93%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
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 Phenom X4 9600B
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.
Phenom X4 9600B
The Phenom X4 9600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Phenom X4 9600B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9600B — a 62.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F. The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Phenom X4 9600B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Phenom X4 9600B's 1,842 — a 165.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9600B.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+91% | 2.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total)+800% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-89% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Agena (2007−2008) |
| PassMark | 19,532+960% | 1,842 |
| 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 Phenom X4 9600B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus DDR2-1066 on the Phenom X4 9600B — the Core i5-12400F supports 85.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-12400F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12400F) vs 0 (Phenom X4 9600B) — the Core i5-12400F offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+150% | DDR2-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+700% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs AMD-V (Phenom X4 9600B). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Phenom X4 9600B targets Business. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | Business |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12400F launched at $174 MSRP, while the Phenom X4 9600B debuted at $278. At current prices ($110 vs $20), the Phenom X4 9600B is $90 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 177.6 pts/$ vs 92.1 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9600B — making the Core i5-12400F the 63.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Phenom X4 9600B |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-37% | $278 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110 | $20-82% |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.6+93% | 92.1 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2008 |
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