Intel Core i5-12400F vs Intel Core i3-12100F
The Intel Core i5-12400F dominates the Intel Core i3-12100F with its 6 cores compared to just 4. That means more power for multitasking and demanding applications, which is crucial in 2026. In real-world use, the i5-12400F's 4.4 GHz max turbo clock ensures smooth gaming and productivity. The extra cache of 18MB also helps in processing larger data sets, making it a worthy upgrade for gamers and creators alike.
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Intel Core i5-12400F
Intel Core i3-12100F
Comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F vs Intel Core i3-12100F
Intel Core i5-12400F
Intel Core i3-12100F
| Criterion | Intel Core i5-12400F | Intel Core i3-12100F |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(2,855)Amazon | ★4.7(1,621)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) |
Socket Platform | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
Cores Threads | 6 Cores (6 Performance + 0 Efficient) / 12 Threads | 4 Cores (4 Performance + 0 Efficient) / 8 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz Base / Up to 4.4 GHz Max Turbo | 3.3 GHz Base / Up to 4.3 GHz Max Turbo |
Cache L2 L3 | 18 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 7.5 MB L2 | 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 5 MB L2 |
TDP Power | 65 W (Processor Base Power) | 58 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 117 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 89 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
Memory Support | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Up to 128 GB) | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Up to 128 GB) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 76.8 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | No (F-Series; Discrete GPU Required) | No (F-Series; Discrete GPU Required) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, GNA 3.0 | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI |
Cooler Included | Yes (Intel Laminar RM1) | Yes (Intel Laminar RM1) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction |
Notes Limits | F-series requires a discrete graphics card. Lacks E-cores (Efficient cores) present in i5-12600K and higher. | F-series requires a discrete graphics card. Excellent pairing with H610 or B660 chipsets for budget builds. |
Chipset Support | Intel 600 and 700 Series (B660, H610, Z690, B760, etc.) | Intel 600 and 700 Series (H610, B660, H670, Z690, etc.) |
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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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Intel Core i3-12100F
✓ Pros:
- • Superior single-core performance typically beating older flagships
- • Highly efficient 58W base power draw
- • Includes Intel Laminar RM1 cooler (adequate for this TDP)
- • Most affordable entry point for PCIe 5.0 support
✗ Cons:
- • Limited to 4 cores (struggles with heavy multi-threaded production workloads)
- • No integrated graphics (requires a discrete GPU)
- • Locked multiplier (overclocking not supported)
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core i5-12400F is the better buy for most people - its 6 cores and 4.4 GHz max turbo clock crush the i3-12100F.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core i5-12400F if: you game frequently with high settings, run heavy applications, or need solid performance for streaming.
Choose the Intel Core i3-12100F if: you do basic tasks like web browsing, work from home with light applications, or want to save money on a budget build.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i5-12400F excels if you value exceptional price-to-performance ratio for gaming. Intel Core i3-12100F is better if you prioritize superior single-core performance typically beating older flagships. 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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