Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i5-8400
55.3Single-core31.1
34.2Multi-core28.6
36Gamingspec-based27.2
16 spec wins — Intel Core i3-12100F2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-8400
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i3-12100F wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 29, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+24) and multi-core (+6). Intel Core i5-8400 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 i3-12100F
- Stronger single-core score: 55 vs 31
- Stronger multi-core score: 34 vs 29
- 233% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 2 MB
- 100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB
- 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
- Lower launch price: $97 vs $182
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-8400
- 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
- 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
General
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2017 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 58 W+11% | 65 W |
| Max turbo power | 89 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | No |
| Cooler included | Yes | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 6+50% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 8+33% | 6 |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz+18% | 2.8 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz+7% | 4 GHz |
| L2 cache | 5 MB+233% | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 12 MB+33% | 9 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,050 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i3-12100F | Intel Core i5-8400 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,050+50%Top 49% | 1,370Bottom 22% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,700+37%Bottom 33% | 4,900Bottom 19% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,680+46%Top 47% | 1,150Bottom 22% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,700+36%Bottom 29% | 6,400Bottom 19% |
| PassMark | 14,100+53%Bottom 24% | 9,200Bottom 14% |
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