Core i5-12400F vs Xeon w5-2555X
Core i5-12400F
Xeon w5-2555X
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 w5-2555X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,145) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12400F | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+327%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,145) |
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 w5-2555X
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 w5-2555X
The Xeon w5-2555X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 252 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 47,638 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon w5-2555X offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon w5-2555X has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12400F versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon w5-2555X — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Xeon w5-2555X (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.3 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 Xeon w5-2555X's 47,638 — a 83.7% lead for the Xeon w5-2555X. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12400F vs 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon w5-2555X.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 14 / 28+133% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.8 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.3 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | 33.75 MB Intel® Smart Cache+88% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | — |
| PassMark | 19,532 | 47,638+144% |
| 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 Xeon w5-2555X uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12400F versus 4800 on the Xeon w5-2555X — the Xeon w5-2555X supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w5-2555X supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-12400F) vs 8 (Xeon w5-2555X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12400F) vs 112 (Xeon w5-2555X) — the Xeon w5-2555X offers 92 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12400F) and W790 (Xeon w5-2555X).
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+3276700% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 112+460% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12400F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon w5-2555X). Primary use case: Core i5-12400F targets Gaming Performance/Value. Direct competitor: Core i5-12400F rivals Ryzen 5 5600; Xeon w5-2555X rivals Threadripper PRO 7965WX.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming Performance/Value | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12400F launched at $174 MSRP, while the Xeon w5-2555X debuted at $1069. At current prices ($110 vs $1145), the Core i5-12400F is $1035 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12400F delivers 177.6 pts/$ vs 41.6 pts/$ for the Xeon w5-2555X — making the Core i5-12400F the 124.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12400F | Xeon w5-2555X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $174-84% | $1069 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110-90% | $1145 |
| Performance per Dollar | 177.6+327% | 41.6 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2024 |
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