Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i5-9400F
55.3Single-core30.1
34.2Multi-core27.9
36Gaming27.8
15 spec wins — Intel Core i3-121002 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9400F
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i3-12100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 28.5, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+25) and gaming (+8). Intel Core i5-9400F still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-12100
- Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 30
- Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 28
- Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 28
- 233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB
- 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
- Lower launch price: $122 vs $157
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9400F
- 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
- 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2019 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 60 W+8% | 65 W |
| Max turbo power | 89 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | No |
| Cooler included | Yes | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 8+33% | 6 |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz+14% | 2.9 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz+5% | 4.1 GHz |
| L2 cache | 5 MB+233% | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 12 MB+33% | 9 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,400 MHz | — |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100 | Intel Core i5-9400F |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,050+46%Top 36% | 1,400Top 72% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,700+49%Top 60% | 4,500Top 82% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,680+56%Top 35% | 1,080Top 83% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700+47%Top 66% | 5,900Top 79% |
| PassMark | 14,000+51%Top 66% | 9,300Top 79% |
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