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Overview

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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12400F

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

121%

#16

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

118%

#17

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

116%

#18

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

115%

#19

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

113%

#20

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

113%

#21

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

109%

#22

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

106%

#23

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

106%

#24

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

105%

#25

Ryzen 5 7500F

MSRP: $179|Avg: $145

104%

#26

Core Ultra 5 245

MSRP: $319|Avg: $220

103%

#27

Ryzen 7 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $86

102%

#28

Core Ultra 7 265KF

MSRP: $379|Avg: $323

102%

#29

Core Ultra 7 265F

MSRP: $369|Avg: $276

100%

#30

Core i5-12400F

MSRP: $174|Avg: $110

100%

#31

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

99%

#32

Ryzen 7 2700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $100

98%

#33

Core i3-10100F

MSRP: $88|Avg: $50

98%

#34

Ryzen 5 7400F

MSRP: $150|Avg: $147

98%

#35

Ryzen 5 9600X

MSRP: $279|Avg: $178

95%

#36

Ryzen 7 3800X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $140

93%

#37

Ryzen 3 5300G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

92%

#38

Ryzen 9 7900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $316

91%

#39

Ryzen 5 5600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $135

91%

#40

Core i5-14600KF

MSRP: $304|Avg: $239

91%

#41

Ryzen 7 5800

MSRP: $349|Avg: $160

91%

#42

Core i3-14100F

MSRP: $109|Avg: $96

90%

#43

Ryzen 7 3700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $140

90%

#44

Ryzen 5 7600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $178

90%

#45

Ryzen 3 3100

MSRP: $99|Avg: $75

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-12400F across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-12400F specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-12400F is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 18 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 19,532, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,700, while multi-core reaches 657. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 12,380.

Specification	Core i5-12400F
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Alder Lake-S (2022)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	Intel 7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	18 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	80K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	163 mm2
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	19,532
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	12,380
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,700
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	657

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12400F fits into the LGA1700 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i5-12400F
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1700
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	20
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-12400F is primarily designed for Gaming Performance/Value. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 5 5600.

Specification	Core i5-12400F
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Gaming Performance/Value
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Ryzen 5 5600

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-12400F has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock (Laminar RM1).

Specification	Core i5-12400F
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock (Laminar RM1)

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $110 (MSRP: $174), the Core i5-12400F delivers 178 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #802 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-12400F
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$174
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$110
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$180
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#802
Release DateLaunch date	4 January 2022 (3 years ago)
Release Year	2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel