How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i5-12400 scores 47.3/100 overall; Intel Core i7-9700K scores 37.6/100. Intel Core i5-12400 wins 14 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-9700K wins 6.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i5-12400 and the Intel Core i7-9700K?

Intel Core i5-12400 advantages: Stronger single-core score: 56 vs 39; Stronger multi-core score: 42 vs 36; 275% higher L2 cache: 8 MB vs 2 MB; 67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3; 50% higher threads: 12 vs 8; Lower launch price: $192 vs $374. Intel Core i7-9700K advantages: 44% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz; 33% higher cores: 8 vs 6; 33% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 6; 11% higher Boost clock: 4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz; Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i5-12400 or Intel Core i7-9700K?

Intel Core i5-12400 launched cheaper at $192, versus $374 for the Intel Core i7-9700K.

Intel Core i5-12400 vs Intel Core i7-9700K

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-12400

$192

Intel

Intel Core i7-9700K

$374

56.4Single-core39

41.7Multi-core35.5

46.5Gamingspec-based39.8

14 spec wins — Intel Core i5-124006 spec wins — Intel Core i7-9700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-12400 wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.3 to 37.6, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+17) and multi-core (+6). Intel Core i7-9700K 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 i5-12400

Stronger single-core score: 56 vs 39
Stronger multi-core score: 42 vs 36
275% higher L2 cache: 8 MB vs 2 MB
67% higher PCIe version: 5 vs 3
50% higher threads: 12 vs 8
Lower launch price: $192 vs $374

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-9700K

44% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz
33% higher cores: 8 vs 6
33% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 6
11% higher Boost clock: 4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't

General

General comparison: Intel Core i5-12400 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-12400	Intel Core i7-9700K
Announced	2022	2018
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1151-v2
Process	10 nm+29%	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W+32%	95 W
Max turbo power	117 W	119 W+2%
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i5-12400 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-12400	Intel Core i7-9700K
Cores	6	8+33%
Performance cores	6	8+33%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	12+50%	8
Base clock	2.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+44%
Boost clock	4.4 GHz	4.9 GHz+11%
L2 cache	8 MB+275%	2 MB
L3 cache	18 MB+50%	12 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i5-12400 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-12400	Intel Core i7-9700K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,450 MHz	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i5-12400 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-12400	Intel Core i7-9700K
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR4-2666
Max memory	128 GB	128 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i5-12400 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-12400	Intel Core i7-9700K
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i5-12400 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-12400	Intel Core i7-9700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,100+25%Top 46%	1,680Bottom 39%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	9,400+34%Bottom 47%	7,000Bottom 37%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,690+35%Top 45%	1,250Bottom 27%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	11,900+23%Bottom 44%	9,700Bottom 34%
PassMark	19,700+38%Bottom 35%	14,300Bottom 25%

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