Intel Core i5-12400F vs Intel Core i9-12900K
56.4Single-core72.2
41.7Multi-core70.4
46.5Gamingspec-based63.8
3 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12400F15 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 47.3, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+29) and single-core (+16). Intel Core i5-12400F 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 i5-12400F
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $167 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 56
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 42
- 167% higher cores: 16 vs 6
- 120% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 11,900
- 109% higher PassMark: 41,103 vs 19,700
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 117 W | 241 W+106% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 16+167% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 12 | 24+100% |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.2 GHz+28% |
| Boost clock | 4.4 GHz | 5.2 GHz+18% |
| L2 cache | 8 MB | 14 MB+87% |
| L3 cache | 18 MB | 30 MB+67% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400F | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,100Top 45% | 2,715+29%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 9,400Bottom 48% | 17,450+86%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,690Top 44% | 1,903+13%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 11,900Bottom 45% | 26,229+120%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 19,700Bottom 35% | 41,103+109%Top 24% |
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