AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs Intel Core i5-12400F
The Intel Core i5-12400F is the better buy for most people - its 4.4 GHz boost clock crushes the AMD Ryzen 5 5500's 4.2 GHz. If you're gaming in 2026, you'll appreciate the performance boost from the extra L3 cache, which is 18MB versus 16MB. In real-world tests, the Ryzen 5 5500 shines as the most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available, especially if you're looking to save money. However, the Intel's PCIe 5.0 support means faster data transfer speeds, making it a smarter pick for future-proofing your setup.
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Intel Core i5-12400F
Comparison: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 vs Intel Core i5-12400F
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Intel Core i5-12400F
| Criterion | AMD Ryzen 5 5500 | Intel Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(9,261)Amazon | ★4.8(2,855)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 Series / Cezanne) | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) |
Socket Platform | Socket AM4 (PGA 1331) | LGA1700 |
Cores Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads | 6 Cores (6 Performance + 0 Efficient) / 12 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz Base / Up to 4.2 GHz Boost | 2.5 GHz Base / Up to 4.4 GHz Max Turbo |
Cache L2 L3 | 3 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (19 MB Total) | 18 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 7.5 MB L2 |
TDP Power | 65 W | 65 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 88 W (PPT) | 117 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC 7nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 128 GB; ECC Support: No | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Up to 128 GB) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~51.2 GB/s @ 3200 MT/s) | 76.8 GB/s |
Pcie Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 24 Total (20 Usable: x16 Graphics, x4 NVMe) | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | None (Discrete graphics card required) | No (F-Series; Discrete GPU Required) |
Instruction Features | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, GNA 3.0 |
Cooler Included | Yes (Wraith Stealth) | Yes (Intel Laminar RM1) |
Max Temp | 90°C (194°F) TjMax | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction |
Notes Limits | Based on 'Cezanne' silicon (disabled iGPU). Limited to PCIe 3.0 speed (slower than 5600/5600X). Smaller L3 cache (16MB) impacts gaming performance vs. standard Zen 3 (32MB). | F-series requires a discrete graphics card. Lacks E-cores (Efficient cores) present in i5-12600K and higher. |
Chipset Support | A520, B450, B550, X570, X470, X370, B350, A320 (BIOS update required) | Intel 600 and 700 Series (B660, H610, Z690, B760, etc.) |
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AMD Ryzen 5 5500
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable 6-core Zen 3 processor available
- • Low power consumption and easy to cool (Wraith Stealth included)
- • Works on virtually any AM4 motherboard (A320 to X570)
✗ Cons:
- • PCIe 3.0 limitation restricts maximum speed of modern SSDs and GPUs
- • Half the L3 cache of the Ryzen 5 5600, resulting in lower gaming FPS
- • No integrated graphics
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Intel Core i5-12400F
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional price-to-performance ratio for gaming
- • Includes capable Intel Laminar RM1 stock cooler
- • Low power consumption (65W base) compared to higher tiers
- • Full support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
✗ Cons:
- • No integrated graphics (cannot output video without a GPU)
- • Locked multiplier (overclocking not supported)
- • Lacks E-cores, reducing multi-threaded performance compared to 12600K
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core i5-12400F is the better buy for most people - its 4.4 GHz boost clock crushes the AMD Ryzen 5 5500's 4.2 GHz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 if: you need an affordable processor for basic tasks, want lower power consumption, or plan to use it with older motherboards.
Choose the Intel Core i5-12400F if: you’re a gamer seeking better performance, need PCIe 5.0 support for future upgrades, or prefer a slightly faster clock speed.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 excels if you value most affordable 6-core zen 3 processor available. Intel Core i5-12400F is better if you prioritize exceptional price-to-performance ratio for gaming. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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