Intel Core i5-12400F vs AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Choosing between Intel Core i5-12400F and AMD Ryzen 7 8700G can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel Core i5-12400F
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F vs AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Intel Core i5-12400F
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
| Criterion | Intel Core i5-12400F | AMD Ryzen 7 8700G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(2,855)Amazon | ★4.7(554)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) | Zen 4 (Ryzen 8000G Series / Hawk Point) |
Socket Platform | LGA1700 | Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) |
Cores Threads | 6 Cores (6 Performance + 0 Efficient) / 12 Threads | 8 Cores / 16 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz Base / Up to 4.4 GHz Max Turbo | 4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.1 GHz Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 18 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 7.5 MB L2 | 8 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (24 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 65 W (Processor Base Power) | 65 W |
Max Turbo Power | 117 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 88 W (PPT) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | TSMC 4nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) |
Memory Support | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Up to 128 GB) | DDR5-5200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 256 GB; ECC Support: No |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 76.8 GB/s | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~83.2 GB/s @ 5200 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) | 20 Total (16 Usable: x8 Graphics, 2x4 NVMe/General) |
Igpu | No (F-Series; Discrete GPU Required) | AMD Radeon 780M (12 Compute Units, 2900 MHz) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, GNA 3.0 | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | Yes (Intel Laminar RM1) | Yes (Wraith Spire) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction | 95°C (203°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | F-series requires a discrete graphics card. Lacks E-cores (Efficient cores) present in i5-12600K and higher. | Features 'Ryzen AI' NPU (16 TOPS). Monolithic design has less L3 cache than chiplet Ryzen 7000. Discrete GPU slot limited to PCIe 4.0 x8 speed (sufficient for most mid-range GPUs). |
Chipset Support | Intel 600 and 700 Series (B660, H610, Z690, B760, etc.) | A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870, X870E |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
✓ Pros:
- • Best-in-class integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) capable of 1080p gaming
- • Includes dedicated NPU for local AI workloads (Ryzen AI)
- • Efficient 65W operation with included Wraith Spire cooler
✗ Cons:
- • PCIe 4.0 only (no PCIe 5.0) and reduced lane count (x8 for GPU)
- • Small L3 cache (16MB) limits performance with high-end discrete GPUs
- • ECC memory not supported (unlike standard Ryzen 7000/9000 CPUs)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
Intel Core i5-12400F is stronger in quality and performance, but AMD Ryzen 7 8700G could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: Intel Core i5-12400F (Exceptional price-to-performance ratio for gaming, Includes capable Intel Laminar RM1 stock cooler)
For value or versatility: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (Best-in-class integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) capable of 1080p gaming, Includes dedicated NPU for local AI workloads (Ryzen AI))
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i5-12400F excels if you value exceptional price-to-performance ratio for gaming. AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is better if you prioritize best-in-class integrated graphics (radeon 780m) capable of 1080p 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.