6-Core, 12-Thread Processing
Six cores and twelve threads provide the core configuration for entry-level gaming builds and everyday desktop performance.
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Updated 3 months ago
A 6-core budget powerhouse that remains one of the best selling CPUs for entry-level gaming builds.

Six cores and twelve threads provide the core configuration for entry-level gaming builds and everyday desktop performance.
The processor runs at a 2.5 GHz base frequency and can boost up to 4.4 GHz, with 18 MB of Intel Smart Cache.
Compatibility includes LGA1700 motherboards, up to DDR5 4800 or DDR4 3200 memory, and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support.
The Intel Core i5-12400F is a 12th Gen Alder Lake desktop CPU with 6 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4 GHz max turbo frequency, 18 MB Intel Smart Cache, and support for LGA1700 platforms with DDR5 4800 or DDR4 3200 memory; it does not include integrated graphics.
The processor is praised for delivering excellent single-core performance and strong value, outperforming competitive AMD CPUs and previous-generation Intel parts in single-core tasks while costing less.
The reviewer highlights the chip as a compelling challenger to AMD for budget-conscious gamers, offering exceptional gaming performance at a $180 price point.
The reviewer concludes that the i5-12400F is a fantastic, mightily powerful CPU for budget-conscious gaming builds that matches or outperforms the more expensive Ryzen 5 5600X in several tests.
The review finds the i5-12400F and Ryzen 5 5600 are mostly evenly matched, but recommends the Intel chip as the preferred choice for competitive gamers due to its slightly faster performance and attractive price-to-motherboard value proposition.
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| Attribute | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Alder Lake (12th Gen Core) | |
| Base Clock | 2.5 | |
| Base Clock Speed | 2.5 GHz | GHz |
| Cache L3 | 18 | |
| Cache Size | 18 MB | MB |
| Capacity | 128 | |
| Compatibility | ['LGA1700 (FCLGA1700 / FC-LGA16A)', 'Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s or DDR4 3200 MT/s', 'PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 (up to 1x16+4, 2x8+4)', 'Intel 600-series / 700-series chipsets'] | |
| Component Type | CPU | |
| Core Count | 6 cores | cores |
| Cpu Cooler Included | True | |
| Cpu Microarchitecture Generation | Intel 12th Gen Core (Alder Lake) | |
| Cpu Socket | FCLGA1700 | |
| Dimensions | ['45.0 mm x 37.5 mm'] | |
| Form Factor | FC-LGA16A (LGA1700 socket package) | |
| Integrated Graphics | No | |
| Interface Standard | ['PCI Express Revision 5.0 and 4.0', 'DMI Revision 4.0'] | |
| Launch Date | Q1'22 | |
| Manufacturer | Intel | |
| Manufacturing Process | Intel 7 | |
| Max Boost Clock | 4.4 | |
| Max Boost Clock Speed | 4.4 GHz | GHz |
| Max Memory Speed | 4800 | |
| Max Turbo Power | 117 | |
| Memory Channels | 2 | |
| Memory Support | Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s or DDR4 3200 MT/s | |
| Memory Type Support | 12400 | |
| Overclocking Support | No | |
| Pcie Lane Count | 20 | |
| Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0, 4.0 | |
| Pci Express Version | PCI Express 5.0 and 4.0 | |
| Performance Spec | ['6 cores / 12 threads (Intel Smart Cache 18 MB)', 'Performance-core base frequency: 2.50 GHz', 'Max turbo frequency: up to 4.40 GHz'] | |
| Power Requirements | 117 | |
| Process Node | Intel 7 | |
| Socket | LGA1700 | |
| Tdp Processor Base Power | 65 | |
| Thermal Design | ['Processor Base Power: 65 W', 'Maximum Turbo Power: 117 W', 'Max Operating Temperature: 100 °C', 'Thermal solution specification: PCG 2020C'] | |
| Thermal Design Power | 65 W | W |
| Thread Count | 12 threads | threads |
| Unlocked Multiplier Overclocking | False | |
| Warranty Period | 36 |

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