Intel Core i5-12400F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
If you're torn between the Intel Core i5-12400F and the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K, the choice is clear: the i5-12400F is the smarter buy for gaming. Its 6 cores clocked up to 4.4GHz provide exceptional performance without breaking the bank, making it ideal for budget-conscious gamers in 2026. In real-world use, the i5-12400F's efficient 65W power consumption keeps your system cool while delivering a solid gaming experience. Meanwhile, the Ultra 5 245K, despite having more cores and a max turbo of 5.2GHz, often lags behind in gaming performance. So, if gaming is your priority, the i5-12400F is the way to go.
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Intel Core i5-12400F
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Intel Core i5-12400F
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
| Criterion | Intel Core i5-12400F | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(2,855)Amazon | ★4.5(111)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) |
Socket Platform | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
Cores Threads | 6 Cores (6 Performance + 0 Efficient) / 12 Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | 2.5 GHz Base / Up to 4.4 GHz Max Turbo | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 18 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 7.5 MB L2 | 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 26 MB L2 (50 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 65 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 117 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 159 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) |
Memory Support | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Up to 128 GB) | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); CUDIMM Support; Up to 192 GB |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 76.8 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s (at DDR5-6400) |
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) | 24 (20 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0 Direct from CPU) |
Igpu | No (F-Series; Discrete GPU Required) | Intel® Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 1.9 GHz Max Dynamic) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, GNA 3.0 | SSE4.2, AVX2, VNNI, Intel 64, VT-x/d; NPU (13 TOPS AI) |
Cooler Included | Yes (Intel Laminar RM1) | No (Heatsink not included) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature |
Notes Limits | F-series requires a discrete graphics card. Lacks E-cores (Efficient cores) present in i5-12600K and higher. | Requires LGA1851 motherboard (800 Series). No Hyper-Threading. Includes dedicated NPU for AI workloads. |
Chipset Support | Intel 600 and 700 Series (B660, H610, Z690, B760, etc.) | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, 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 Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th Gen
- • Modern platform connectivity: Native Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, PCIe 5.0 lanes
- • Integrated NPU (13 TOPS) accelerates light local AI workloads
- • Run cooler than previous i5-K SKUs under load
✗ Cons:
- • Gaming performance often flat or slightly lower than 14600K/Ryzen 9000
- • Removal of Hyper-Threading reduces multi-core potential in some apps
- • Requires new LGA1851 socket (incompatible with LGA1700)
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core i5-12400F is the better buy for most people - its 4.4GHz max turbo crushes the Ultra 5 245K's 5.2GHz in gaming scenarios. That said, grab the Ultra 5 245K if you want advanced features like Thunderbolt 4 and WiFi 7 support - it’s 60W more powerful.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core i5-12400F if: you want a budget-friendly gaming CPU, need efficient power consumption, or require a capable stock cooler.
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K if: you prioritize modern connectivity options, work with AI applications, or need higher multi-core performance for specific tasks.
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 Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K is better if you prioritize significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th gen. 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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