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Intel Core i5 12400 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£170
Avg. price in US: ~$150
PassMark benchmark result: 18791
N. of physical cores: 6
CPU boost clock speed: 4.4 GHz

Intel Core i5 12400 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.4

Good

6.0

Good

9.6

Exceptional

5.5
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
6.4
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
6.4
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
5.8
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
3.5
L3 cache
8.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
3.8
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
4.3
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
20.0%
4.0
CPU threads
15.0%
3.5
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i5-12400 is a highly efficient 12th-generation Alder Lake desktop processor featuring 6 Performance cores (P-cores) and 12 threads, with a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a max turbo boost of up to 4.4 GHz. Built on the Intel 7 process with an 18 MB Smart Cache and a 65W TDP (117W max turbo power), it supports both DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800 memory alongside PCIe 5.0 connectivity on the LGA 1700 socket. Its primary pros include exceptional price-to-performance value, strong single-core gaming performance that often rivals more expensive competitors like the Ryzen 5 5600X, and the inclusion of integrated UHD Graphics 730 and a stock cooler. However, its main cons are the lack of hybrid architecture Efficiency cores (E-cores) found in higher-tier Alder Lake chips, a locked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking, and an included stock cooler that can become noisy under heavy loads.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 12400

Overall score

6.4

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

8.9

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

5.2

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

7.3

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

7.9

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

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Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

7.2

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Thermal

5.8

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i5 12400 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5 12400 better than the average processor?

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Newer PCIe version
Intel Core i5 12400 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3.0).
What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 4.0
Intel Core i5 12400 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3.0).5.0 vs 3.0
39.4% better single-core performance
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,462 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >3200
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,462 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,462 vs 2,483
79.1% better multi-core performance
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,984 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4700
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,984 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.4,984 vs 2,783
49.9% higher single-core score
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,205 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,205 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,205 vs 1,471
2.5x more L2 per core
Intel Core i5 12400 has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=1 MB/core
Intel Core i5 12400 has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 12400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i5 12400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
36.2% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (659 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >600
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (659 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.659 vs 484
84.8% higher multi-core score
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,859 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >8500
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,859 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.8,859 vs 4,793
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i5 12400 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP2).
Broader instruction support
Intel Core i5 12400 supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2, ADX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
39.4% better single-core performance
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,462 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
79.1% better multi-core performance
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,984 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
49.9% higher single-core score
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,205 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
36.2% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (659 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
84.8% higher multi-core score
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,859 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
78.4% higher PassMark score
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,791 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
4 more CPU threads
Intel Core i5 12400 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
2 wider front-end design
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
2.5x more L2 per core
Intel Core i5 12400 has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
3x larger L2 cache
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (7.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i5 12400 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
2.25x larger L3 cache
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (18 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
More advanced foundry
Intel Core i5 12400 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
16.7% smaller process node
Intel Core i5 12400 has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
Newer PCIe version
Intel Core i5 12400 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3.0).
Newer DDR support
Intel Core i5 12400 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 12400 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
4 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i5 12400 has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
67.7% higher memory bandwidth
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i5 12400 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
63.7% higher memory speed
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (4,800 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
1 more supported displays
Intel Core i5 12400 has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 12400 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i5 12400 worse than the average processor?

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Narrower media codec support
Intel Core i5 12400 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
82.8% higher boost power
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (117 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
44.4% higher base power
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i5 12400 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
44.4% higher TDP
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
82.8% higher boost power
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (117 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <50 W
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (117 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.117 W vs 64 W
44.4% higher base power
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i5 12400 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i5 12400 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
Narrower media codec support
Intel Core i5 12400 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i5 12400 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
44.4% higher TDP
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i5 12400 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 12400 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 12400?

Excellent value for money, often described as a 'budget king' for gaming
Strong single-core performance that rivals more expensive flagship models from previous generations
Highly energy-efficient with a low 65W TDP, making it easy to cool and quiet during operation
Versatile platform support for both DDR4 and newer DDR5 memory
Includes an integrated GPU (UHD 730), useful for troubleshooting or systems without a dedicated graphics card

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 12400?

The included stock cooler is often cited as loud or difficult to install, with some users reporting high temperatures under heavy load
Lacks the 'Efficiency' cores (E-cores) found in higher-tier 12th Gen models like the i5-12600K
Limited multi-threaded performance for extremely demanding professional workloads like 8K video editing
Locked multiplier means it cannot be overclocked in the traditional sense
Motherboard costs (LGA1700) were initially high compared to the budget nature of the CPU

Expert reviews

gamersnexus.net

06/01/2025

Intel At Its Best: Revisiting the i9-12900K, i7-12700K, i5-12600K, 12400, & i3-12100F (2024)

In a 2024 re-evaluation of Intel’s 12th Gen "Alder Lake" CPUs, Gamers Nexus identifies this lineup as a stable, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to Intel’s newer, issue-plagued 13th and 14th Gen processors. While not top-tier for 2024 gaming, the lineup offers significant longevity through DDR4/DDR5 support on the LGA 1700 platform and provides an excellent upgrade path from...Read more

club386.com

04/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 review: the one to go for

According to Club386, the Intel Core i5-12400 is a standout, "no-brainer" choice for mainstream PC builds, offering excellent value at approximately $192 (£175). This 6C12T chip utilizes only Performance cores, delivering impressive gaming and single-threaded performance that rivals more expensive competitors while remaining highly energy-efficient. The processor offers great...Read more

guru3d.com

04/01/2022

Core i5 12400 processor review - Guru3D

The Guru3D review highlights the Intel Core i5-12400 as a high-value, $200, 6-core/12-thread "Golden Cove" processor that offers exceptional performance for mainstream users, featuring 65W base power and up to 4.4 GHz boost. Pros include dominant gaming performance per dollar, low power consumption, and easy cooling, making it a stellar option for budget-conscious builds with DDR4...Read more

hwcooling.net

05/01/2022

Core i5-12400 with DDR4 test: Meet the fresh bestseller

The HWcooling review identifies the Intel Core i5-12400 as a high-value, 6-core/12-thread "bestseller" featuring only Performance cores (P-cores) to avoid scheduler issues, available in "H0" (native) or "C0" (salvaged) versions. Performance benchmarks show the CPU offers excellent gaming capabilities, frequently rivaling higher-end, previous-generation, and AMD competitors. Notable...Read more

hardwareluxx.de

07/01/2022

Core i5-12400 Review: No E-Cores, but an Affordable and Efficient Gaming CPU

The Intel Core i5-12400 review by Hardwareluxx highlights a 65W "Alder Lake" CPU featuring six performance cores and no efficiency cores, offering high power efficiency and a competitive price point, though with reduced cache and lower boost clocks compared to higher-end models. It serves as a potent gaming processor that competes with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, showing strong...Read more

igorslab.de

04/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review - Efficient and Affordable Gaming CPU for the Masses

The Intel Core i5-12400 is identified as an efficient, six-core "Alder Lake" CPU without E-cores, delivering high performance-per-watt that rivals the Ryzen 5 5600X, according to Igor's Lab. Key advantages include stellar energy efficiency with gaming consumption often below 40W, high IPC allowing it to challenge previous-generation flagships, and consistent, high performance across...Read more

pcwelt.de

06/02/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: The Best Hexa-Core CPU

The PC-Welt review highlights the Intel Core i5-12400 as a top-tier, budget-friendly six-core processor, utilizing only high-performance Golden Cove cores to achieve excellent energy efficiency and gaming performance. Benchmarks show the CPU competes directly with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, offering high single-core speeds and robust performance in applications like Cinebench R23 and...Read more

pcgameshardware.de

28/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: The 5600X Rival Everyone Has Been Waiting For

The Intel Core i5-12400 is reviewed as a mid-range price-to-performance leader, featuring six "Golden Cove" cores that effectively compete with or exceed the Ryzen 5 5600X, according to PC Games Hardware. Pros include exceptional gaming performance (exceeding 5600X in some titles by 26%), high power efficiency, and a competitive MSRP around $180–$200. Cons include a locked...Read more

computerbase.de

04/02/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 and Core i5-12500 Review

According to the ComputerBase review, the Intel Core i5-12400 and i5-12500 ditch hybrid architecture for six traditional Performance-cores, simplifying performance across operating systems. These CPUs excel in gaming, often outpacing higher-priced competitors, while maintaining high power efficiency and compatibility with standard coolers. However, the lack of Efficiency-cores...Read more

pausehardware.com

06/04/2024

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: Ideal for Gaming at a Moderate Price

The Intel Core i5-12400, a 6-core/12-thread Alder Lake processor operating at a 2.5 GHz base frequency with a 4.4 GHz boost, offers a compelling, budget-friendly option without efficiency cores. It supports DDR4 3200 MHz, DDR5 4800 MHz, and PCIe 5.0, making it versatile for modern builds on LGA 1700 motherboards. Performance-wise, this CPU is labeled a "budget gaming king," often...Read more

hardwarecooking.fr

04/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: The best value gaming processor?

HardwareCooking identifies the Intel Core i5-12400 as a premier budget gaming processor, highlighting its excellent price-to-performance ratio, 6-core/12-thread "Golden Cove" architecture, and competitive IPC improvements over previous generations. Testing reveals strong 1080p gaming performance and high thermal efficiency, with the CPU running cool under load, making it well-suited...Read more

tomshardware.fr

05/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: For a Great, Power-Efficient PC

The Tom's Hardware review highlights the Intel Core i5-12400 as a highly efficient, 6-core/12-thread "Golden Cove" processor that excels in gaming, matching or beating competitors like the Ryzen 5 5600X. Its standout features include exceptional power efficiency compared to previous generations, running cool and quiet while providing high IPC performance for a "green" PC build....Read more

clubic.com

18/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: Alder Lake is also capable of excellent value for money

According to Clubic, the Intel Core i5-12400 is a budget-focused processor that delivers exceptional value by utilizing six "Golden Cove" Performance cores (12 threads) without the hybrid architecture, achieving strong IPC gains and competitive gaming performance. The CPU operates efficiently, drawing low power and maintaining cool temperatures, making it ideal for budget gaming...Read more

profesionalreview.com

04/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review

The Intel Core i5-12400, analyzed by Profesional Review, is a 6-core/12-thread Alder Lake processor operating at 65W base power with impressive energy efficiency and cooling performance. Benchmarks demonstrate it as a strong competitor to the Ryzen 5 5600X in gaming and productivity, offering high IPC for a budget-focused, non-K SKU. Key strengths include an excellent...Read more

hwupgrade.it

18/02/2022

Intel Core i5-12400: A fast gaming CPU at a truly competitive price

The Intel Core i5-12400 is a six-core, 12-thread Alder Lake processor utilizing only "Golden Cove" P-cores to deliver high-performance computing without the hybrid architecture, ensuring stability on Windows 10. It operates at up to 4.4 GHz, offering significant improvements over previous generations with 18MB of L3 cache. In gaming benchmarks, this processor is identified as a...Read more

techtesters.eu

14/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review - Techtesters.eu

The Techtesters.eu review identifies the Intel Core i5-12400 as a budget gaming "game changer," featuring six high-performance "Golden Cove" cores without efficiency cores, offering high energy efficiency at 65W base power. It provides exceptional 1080p/1440p gaming performance, often surpassing more expensive competitors like the Ryzen 5 5600X, and remains versatile with support...Read more

techgaming.nl

04/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review - TechGaming

The TechGaming review identifies the Intel Core i5-12400 as a highly affordable, 6-core/12-thread processor designed for mid-range gaming, avoiding the Efficiency cores found in higher-end Alder Lake chips. It offers exceptional value by delivering gaming performance that often rivals or exceeds the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, particularly when paired with budget-friendly B660 motherboards...Read more

gathering.tweakers.net

05/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: Inconsistent Usage Percentage

This Tweakers.net user review details the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 (G95NA), a 49-inch Mini LED monitor, focusing on its massive, curved screen and improved contrast. The review highlights the 2,048-zone local dimming and 2,000-nit peak brightness for "inky" blacks and top-tier HDR, while also noting the 240Hz refresh rate and immense productivity space. However, it points out...Read more

techgaming.nl

04/01/2022

Intel Core i5-12400 Video Review

The Intel Core i5-12400 is reviewed as a top-tier budget gaming processor, utilizing 6 P-cores on the Alder Lake architecture to provide performance competitive with higher-end, older chips. It operates efficiently on both Windows 10 and 11, excelling in gaming benchmarks at 1080p and 1440p against competitors like the Ryzen 5 5600X. Key advantages include exceptional...Read more

tweakers.net

04/01/2022

Intel Core i5 12400 - Budget Alder Lake sidelines the 5600X

The Tweakers review of the Intel Core i5-12400 positions this processor as a disruptive force in the mid-range market, effectively challenging the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X due to its high-performance six-core "Golden Cove" architecture, which skips efficiency cores for consistent performance. Performance testing demonstrates that the i5-12400 offers exceptional value, delivering gaming and...Read more

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