Core i5-12400F vs Xeon E3-1275 v2
Core i5-12400F
Xeon E3-1275 v2
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 Xeon E3-1275 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Xeon E3-1275 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($426) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Xeon E3-1275 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1039%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($426) |
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 Xeon E3-1275 v2
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.
Xeon E3-1275 v2
The Xeon E3-1275 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,644 points. Launch price was $808.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E3-1275 v2 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-12400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275 v2 — a 12% clock advantage for the Core i5-12400F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-12400F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon E3-1275 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12400F scores 19,532 against the Xeon E3-1275 v2's 6,644 — a 98.5% lead for the Core i5-12400F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,700 vs 1,000, a 51.9% lead for the Core i5-12400F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 4,000 (143.6% advantage for the Xeon E3-1275 v2). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1275 v2.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Xeon E3-1275 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+13% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total)+125% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-68% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 19,532+194% | 6,644 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,380 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,700+70% | 1,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 657 | 4,000+509% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12400F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1275 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E3-1275 v2 — the Core i5-12400F supports 50% 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 32.77 GB — 118.5% more capacity for professional workloads. 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 C202,C204,C206,C216,B75,H77,Z77 (Xeon E3-1275 v2).
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Xeon E3-1275 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+67% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+291% | 32.77 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 (Xeon E3-1275 v2). The Xeon E3-1275 v2 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics P4000), while the Core i5-12400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value, Xeon E3-1275 v2 targets Server/Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Xeon E3-1275 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics P4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | Server/Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12400F launched at $174 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1275 v2 debuted at $426. At current prices ($110 vs $426), the Core i5-12400F is $316 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 177.6 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1275 v2 — making the Core i5-12400F the 167.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Xeon E3-1275 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-59% | $426 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110-74% | $426 |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.6+1038% | 15.6 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2012 |
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 Xeon E3-1275 v2
