Best value
AMD
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D
AM5 · 6 · 12
8.5
$240Nov 92 videos
IntelEnd of life
Intel Core i5-12400F
The six-core Alder Lake value classic: still a cheap way into LGA1700 gaming.
- LGA1700
- 6
- 12
- 4.4 GHz
- 65 W
PCPR score
6.5
Fair
Best price we’ve seen
$184MSRP
List price from the maker. Street prices may be higher.
R1
The short version
The Core i5-12400F has six performance cores and 12 threads, 18 MB of cache, a 4.4 GHz maximum turbo and a 65 W base power rating with 117 W maximum. It is locked and has no integrated graphics. It was a budget favourite at launch and still works for 1080p gaming, but it has no efficiency cores and Intel's boxed version was reported retired.
Pros
- Low power draw and easy cooling
- Good 1080p gaming for its age
- DDR4 and DDR5 board choice
Cons
- Six cores and no efficiency cores limit multitasking
- No integrated graphics
- Boxed version reported retired
- Locked
Best for
- Very cheap gaming builds
- Low-power systems on a DDR4 board
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Series
- 12th Gen Core
- Architecture
- Alder Lake
- Cores
- 6
- Performance cores
- 6
- Efficiency cores
- 0
- Threads
- 12
Performance
- Base clock
- 2.5 GHz
- Max boost
- 4.4 GHz
- L3 cache
- 18 MB
- 3D V-Cache
- No
- Single-thread index
- 70
- Multi-thread index
- 24
Power
- TDP
- 65 W
- Max power (PPT / PL2)
- 117 W
Features
- Integrated graphics
- No
- Unlocked multiplier
- No
- Process
- Intel 7
Memory
- Memory support
- DDR5, DDR4
- Rated memory speed
- 4,800 MT/s
- Max memory
- 128 GB
Expansion
- PCIe version
- 5.0
- PCIe lanes
- 20
Compatibility notes
- Socket LGA1700 works with 600- and 700-series boards; boards come in DDR4 or DDR5 versions, so choose the memory type before buying. Older 600-series boards may need a BIOS update.
- No integrated graphics.
- Intel's ordering page reportedly lists the boxed SKU as retired; confirm stock before buying.
P1
Where to buy
- Buy from the maker
Intel official page
Direct link
- Check price on Amazon
Amazon
Search this retailer
- See it at Newegg
Newegg
Search this retailer
- See it at Best Buy
Best Buy
Search this retailer
- See it at B&H
B&H Photo
Search this retailer
- See it at Micro Center
Micro Center
Search this retailer
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. Prices move quickly, so confirm the final price at the retailer.
AV1
Video reviews
Positive · Review
i5-12400F Review - The Best VALUE CPU comes at a "Cost"
Tech YES City
Tech YES City's launch review calling it excellent value with a cost trade-off.
Positive · Review
AMD Defeat: Intel i5-12400 CPU Review & Benchmarks vs. Ryzen
Gamers Nexus
Gamers Nexus' review of the non-F 12400, which has the same CPU cores as the 12400F.
Positive · Review
"The Best" Midrange Processor | Intel Core i5 12400F Review + Gaming & Streaming Benchmarks
Tech Dreams
Tech Dreams' review of the 12400F that includes gaming tests and a verdict on its midrange standing.
R9
Common questions
Which motherboards work with the Core i5-12400F?
It uses socket LGA1700, which fits 600- and 700-series chipset boards. Older 600-series boards may need a BIOS update.
Does the Core i5-12400F have integrated graphics?
No. The F suffix means the integrated GPU is disabled, so a discrete graphics card is required.
Does the Core i5-12400F work with DDR4 or DDR5?
Intel lists support for both DDR5 up to 4800 MT/s and DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s, up to 128 GB. The type depends on the motherboard, because a board takes one or the other.
J9Alternatives
