Core i5-12450HX
CPU·Entry

Core i5-12450HX

Intel

PassMark

18,064

10 May 2022 (3 years ago)
55 Watt
Alder Lake-HX (2022)

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.

Overview

The Core i5-12450HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,064 points. Launch price was $299.

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

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-12450HX across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3

1080p
low242 FPS
medium216 FPS
high175 FPS
ultra151 FPS
1440p
low160 FPS
medium146 FPS
high131 FPS
ultra111 FPS
4k
low100 FPS
medium93 FPS
high86 FPS
ultra74 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low335 FPS
medium285 FPS
high261 FPS
ultra232 FPS
1440p
low294 FPS
medium256 FPS
high239 FPS
ultra208 FPS
4k
low233 FPS
medium208 FPS
high196 FPS
ultra169 FPS
Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Deadlock

Deadlock

1080p
low192 FPS
medium161 FPS
high141 FPS
ultra123 FPS
1440p
low175 FPS
medium149 FPS
high133 FPS
ultra115 FPS
4k
low111 FPS
medium93 FPS
high74 FPS
ultra66 FPS
Dota 2

Dota 2

1080p
low332 FPS
medium289 FPS
high262 FPS
ultra246 FPS
1440p
low277 FPS
medium245 FPS
high226 FPS
ultra207 FPS
4k
low204 FPS
medium181 FPS
high173 FPS
ultra148 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low452 FPS
medium452 FPS
high450 FPS
ultra397 FPS
1440p
low452 FPS
medium452 FPS
high405 FPS
ultra359 FPS
4k
low410 FPS
medium340 FPS
high298 FPS
ultra242 FPS
Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint

1080p
low237 FPS
medium200 FPS
high178 FPS
ultra153 FPS
1440p
low205 FPS
medium175 FPS
high154 FPS
ultra134 FPS
4k
low131 FPS
medium110 FPS
high95 FPS
ultra82 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low169 FPS
medium151 FPS
high123 FPS
ultra105 FPS
1440p
low142 FPS
medium122 FPS
high98 FPS
ultra83 FPS
4k
low80 FPS
medium74 FPS
high59 FPS
ultra45 FPS
Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

1080p
low347 FPS
medium328 FPS
high322 FPS
ultra273 FPS
1440p
low312 FPS
medium296 FPS
high288 FPS
ultra246 FPS
4k
low192 FPS
medium186 FPS
high179 FPS
ultra151 FPS
Rust

Rust

1080p
low198 FPS
medium165 FPS
high143 FPS
ultra125 FPS
1440p
low171 FPS
medium144 FPS
high119 FPS
ultra96 FPS
4k
low65 FPS
medium53 FPS
high44 FPS
ultra28 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-12450HX specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i5-12450HX is a 8-core / 12-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-HX (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 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 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 18,064, 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 2,150.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units8C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designAlder Lake-HX (2022)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficientIntel 7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache80K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor215 mm2
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleYes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclockedYes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score18,064
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming2,150
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12450HX fits into the FCBGA1964 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 48 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics for 12th Gen — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1964
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion48
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4, DDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR5-4800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorUHD Graphics for 12th Gen
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM670,WM690
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-12450HX is primarily designed for Workstation/Enthusiast Laptop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. 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 7645HX.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryWorkstation/Enthusiast Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerRyzen 5 7645HX
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-12450HX has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 55 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload55 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionNone
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #878 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$299
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#878
Release DateLaunch date10 May 2022 (3 years ago)
Release Year2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

TypeLaptop
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$299
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date10 May 2022 (3 years ago)
Architecture CodenameAlder Lake-HX (2022)
Performance Ranking Position878

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores8
Threads12
Die Size215 mm2
L1 Cache80K (per core)
L2 Cache1.25 MB (per core)
L3 Cache12 MB (total)
Max Frequency4.4 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.4 GHz
Efficiency Cores4
Performance Cores4
Process TechnologyIntel 7 nm
Unlocked Multiplier+
Max Core Temperature100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible+

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketFCBGA1964
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)55 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR4, DDR5
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth76.8 GB/s
Max Memory Capacity128 GB

Similar Performance

Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.

Our Recommendation for Core i5-12450HX

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