Intel Core i5 12400F
The early 2022 12th-generation Alder Lake desktop processor Intel Core i5 12400F is touted as a budget CPU with high productivity and gaming capabilities. High performance and cheap cost define the i5-12400F. It has six performance cores and twelve threads.
Architecture
The Intel Alder Lake architecture, created utilizing Intel 7 (formerly 10nm Enhanced SuperFin), underpins the Core i5 12400F. The i5-12400F lacks Efficiency cores and uses just Performance cores, unlike higher-tier Alder Lake CPUs.
Architecture Highlights
- Cores and Threads: 12 threads and 6 P-cores (no E-cores)
- Base P-Core Clock: 2.5 GHz
- P-Core Boost Clock: 4.4 GHz and higher
- L3 Cache: 18 MB
- 7.5 MB is the L2 cache.
- LGA 1700 is the socket.
The 12400F performs more consistently and predictably for common desktop workloads due to its simpler architecture than hybrid systems.
You can also read Intel Core Ultra 5 230F: A Deep Dive Into New Desktop CPU
Key Features
- Intel Thread Director (less important because it doesn’t have any E-cores)
- Support for DDR4 & DDR5: Compatible with DDR5-4800 and DDR4-3200 memory
- Motherboard chipset compatibility for PCIe 5.0 and 4.0
- Discrete GPU is needed instead of integrated graphics.
- Effective thermal profile, perfect for systems in the mid-range and budget range
Performance
When it comes to light-to-moderate productivity tasks, multitasking, and general computing, the Core i5 12400F excels.
| Category | Test / Setup | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic Benchmarks | Cinebench R23 (Multi-core) | ~12,000 points |
| Cinebench R23 (Single-core) | ~1,650 points | |
| Geekbench 5 (Multi-core) | ~9,000 points | |
| Gaming Performance | Paired with RTX 3060 / 3070 at 1080p | 100+ FPS in most AAA titles |
| Paired with RTX 3060 / 3070 at 1440p | 100+ FPS in most AAA titles |
It is a direct competitor of AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 5 7600, frequently beating the former in tasks requiring only one core and providing greater value.
You can also read AMD Ryzen 9 3900x Vs Ryzen 5 5600x Specs Comparison
Gaming Performance
- Considering its cost, the Core i5 12400F is an excellent gaming CPU. When used with an up-to-date GPU (such as the RX 4060 Ti or RX 6700 XT),
- For most esports games, 1080p Ultra Settings: 100–200 frames per second.
- Gaming at 1440p: fluid and steady, with GPU rather than CPU limitations.
- RX 4070 or RX 7800 XT GPUs have very few bottlenecks.
- Excellent for background work and streaming because it has 12 threads.
Numerous players on a tight budget who want to acquire the most frames for dollar are advised to use it.
You can also read AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT Vs RTX 4070: Which GPU Is Better?
Power & Efficiency
- PBP (Base Power): 65W.
- ~117W is the maximum turbo power (MTP).
- TDP Range: Under load, effective; seldom goes beyond 100W.
- Included is an Intel Laminar RM1 air cooler, which is sufficient for stock performance.
It is among the Alder Lake CPUs with the highest efficiency, providing powerful performance without requiring expensive cooling or power supplies.
Memory & Expansion
Memory Support
- DDR4 capable of 3200 MT/s.
- DDR5 up to 4800 MT/s (if the motherboard is suitable).
PCIe Lanes
- 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes (for GPUs).
- Four PCIe 4.0 lanes (for NVMe SSDs).
Motherboard Compatibility
- Compliant with the Z690, Z790, H670, and B660 chipsets.
- DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the motherboard.
Budget builders may more easily combine older DDR4 RAM with more recent CPUs with this versatility.
Advantages
- Outstanding achievement for the money.
- Fantastic for games at 1080p and 1440p.
- cool and power-efficient while under load.
- Adequate for both DDR4 and DDR5.
- The included factory cooler can be used.
- Perfect for gaming PCs on a budget or in the midrange.
Disadvantages
- Absence of integrated graphics (needs a separate GPU)
- The non-K chip does not support overclocking.
- Reduced number of cores in comparison to AMD 8-core or i7/i9 processors
- Low levels of output for high-end producers
- Reduced capacity for RAM overclocking on non-Z chipsets
You can also read AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D Specs, Price, Architecture And features
Intel Core i5 12400F Price
| Product Name | Launch Price | Current Avg Price |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i5-12400F | $192 USD | ~$150–$180 USD |
Intel Core i5-12400F Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor Name | Intel Core i5-12400F |
| Launch Date | Q1 2022 |
| Architecture | Alder Lake (12th Gen) |
| Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
| Cores / Threads | 6 Cores (Performance only) / 12 Threads |
| P-Core Base Clock | 2.5 GHz |
| P-Core Max Turbo Clock | 4.4 GHz |
| E-Cores | None |
| Cache | 18 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3), 7.5 MB L2 |
| Integrated Graphics | None (requires discrete GPU) |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Memory Support | DDR4-3200 / DDR5-4800 |
| PCIe Support | PCIe 5.0 (x16) + PCIe 4.0 (x4) |
| TDP (Base Power) | 65W |
| Max Turbo Power | ~117W |
| Cooler Included | Intel Laminar RM1 |
| Overclocking Support | No |
| Motherboard Chipsets | B660, H670, Z690, Z790 |
| Use Case | Midrange gaming, productivity |
| Price Range (2025) | ~$150–$180 USD |
Conclusion
One of the greatest midrange desktop CPUs is the Intel Core i5 12400F. It offers six powerful performance cores, excellent gaming capabilities, and power efficiency at a low price, pleasing most users and gamers.
Overclocking and the absence of integrated graphics are its primary drawbacks, but they are negligible for its intended user base. Whether you are constructing a streaming setup, a home workstation, or a low-cost gaming PC, the Core i5 12400F provides outstanding value without sacrificing performance. It is still among the top mid-range CPUs for 2025.
