How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100F scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i5-9400F scores 28.5/100. Intel Core i3-12100F wins 15 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-9400F wins 2.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100F and the Intel Core i5-9400F?

Intel Core i3-12100F advantages: 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: $97 vs $157. Intel Core i5-9400F advantages: 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100F or Intel Core i5-9400F?

Intel Core i3-12100F launched cheaper at $97, versus $157 for the Intel Core i5-9400F.

Intel Core i3-12100F vs Intel Core i5-9400F

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100F

$97

Intel

Intel Core i5-9400F

$157

55.3Single-core30.1

34.2Multi-core27.9

36Gaming27.8

15 spec wins — Intel Core i3-12100F2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9400F

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100F 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 i3-12100F

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: $97 vs $157

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9400F

50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9400F
Announced	2022	2019
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

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	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

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9400F
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-2666
Max memory	128 GB	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	Intel Core i5-9400F
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100F versus Intel Core i5-9400F
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100F	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	14,100+52%Top 65%	9,300Top 79%

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