CPU Comparison

Intel Core i5-110 vs Core i5-12400

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-110 is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor from the Comet Lake family, offering a balance of productivity and integrated graphics for standard computing tasks.

Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-110
6C / 12T4.3 GHz65 W
7.5
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i5
Core i5-12400
6C / 12T4.4 GHz65 W
9
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop
Generation
Comet Lake Refresh
12th Gen
Launched
2025
2022
Status
Active
Active
Codename
Comet Lake
Alder Lake-S
Series
Core i5
Core i5
Family
10th Generation
Alder Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i5-10400
Intel Core i5-11400
Successor
N/A
Intel Core i5-13400

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
2.5 GHz
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz
4.4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
18 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Comet Lake
Alder Lake-S
Process Node
14 nm
Intel 7 (10nm)
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4, DDR5
Memory Speed
2666 MT/s
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
256 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
LGA 1200
LGA 1700
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i5-11078

Handles standard office and productivity tasks smoothly.

Core i5-12400Best85

Snappy and reliable for all standard desktop applications.

Gaming

Intel Core i5-11075

Capable of 1080p gaming when paired with an appropriate GPU.

Core i5-12400Best90

Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.

Virtualization

Intel Core i5-11068

Suitable for light virtualization needs.

Core i5-12400Best78

Very capable for homelab and development VMs.

Efficiency

Intel Core i5-11065

Operates efficiently at 65W, though the 14nm node is older.

Core i5-12400Best90

Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i5-110Limited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Suitable only for basic CPU-based inference
Core i5-12400Limited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Standard CPU inference

Content Creation

Intel Core i5-110Moderate
PhotoshopBasic Video EditingWeb Design
Core i5-12400Good
Premiere Pro (1080p)PhotoshopOBS StudioBlender (CPU)

Gaming

Intel Core i5-110Good
  • Solid 1080p performance
  • Benefits from a dedicated GPU
  • Limited by 2666 MT/s memory cap
Core i5-12400Excellent
  • Does not bottleneck current mid-range GPUs
  • Strong single-core speeds
  • Consistent frame times due to pure P-cores

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
High
Workstations
Low
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
High
Virtualization
Low
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Applications
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
1080p Gaming
Good
Excellent
Media Playback
Excellent
Basic Multitasking
Very Good
Esports Gaming
Excellent
Office Productivity
Excellent
Programming
Excellent
Light Streaming
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i5-110

Pros

  • Reliable 6-core, 12-thread performance
  • Includes integrated graphics
  • Low 65W TDP
  • Wide motherboard compatibility
  • Stable and proven architecture

Cons

  • Older 14nm process
  • Locked multiplier
  • Limited to PCIe 3.0
  • Memory speed capped at 2666 MT/s
Core i5-12400

Pros

  • Outstanding price-to-performance
  • Pure 6 P-core design
  • Runs cool and quiet
  • DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support
  • Includes Laminar RM1 cooler

Cons

  • Locked multiplier
  • UHD 730 graphics are basic
  • Only 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes
  • No E-cores for background tasks
  • 117W PL2 requires decent motherboard VRM

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i5-110

Core i5-12400

Our Verdict on Each

A straightforward 6-core processor that delivers enough performance for daily tasks and light workloads, though it lacks the advanced features of newer architectures.

Best for: The Core i5-110 is best suited for standard office desktops, family PCs, or budget builds where reliable 6-core performance is needed without breaking the bank. Because it features integrated UHD 630 graphics, it is an excellent choice for environments where a dedicated GPU is unnecessary, keeping overall system costs down. It handles daily tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback with ease. For users who already own an LGA 1200 motherboard and need a drop-in replacement or upgrade from an older Pentium or i3, the i5-110 offers a practical solution. However, it should be avoided by gamers or content creators who require the higher IPC, faster memory support, and advanced architectures found in newer generations.

Read the full review
Core i5-12400Recommended

An outstanding value CPU that delivers excellent gaming and productivity performance without breaking the bank.

Best for: Building a budget or mid-range gaming PC where value is the top priority.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i5-110 or Core i5-12400?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-12400 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-110 or Core i5-12400?

For gaming, the Core i5-12400 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i5-110 and Core i5-12400.

Do Intel Core i5-110 and Core i5-12400 use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-110: LGA 1200, Core i5-12400: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i5-12400 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-110 (14,500), Core i5-12400 (16,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.