CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-11400F vs Intel Core i5-12490F
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11400F is a 6-core, 12-thread mainstream desktop processor based on the Rocket Lake architecture. Released in March 2021, it utilizes Intel's 14nm process and drops the integrated graphics to offer a budget-friendly entry point into the 11th gen ecosystem.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Solid for everyday tasks and light multi-threaded work, but lacks the core count for heavy rendering.
Handles daily tasks easily but lacks E-cores for heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Punches above its weight in gaming, easily handling modern titles at 1080p when paired with mid-range GPUs.
Delivers high framerates in modern titles when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs for testing, but limited by 6 cores and lack of ECC support.
Adequate for basic VMs but limited by 6 cores.
Efficiency
14nm process is power-hungry under full load compared to newer nodes, requiring decent cooling.
Exceptional performance per watt at 65W base TDP.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Can run basic CPU-based inference slowly
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- High single-thread performance ensures smooth frame rates
- PCIe 4.0 prevents GPU bottlenecking
- No integrated graphics requires a discrete GPU
- High single-core speed
- Large L3 cache benefits gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent value for 6-core/12-thread performance
- Strong single-threaded IPC gains
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Runs relatively cool at 65W TDP
- Includes AVX-512 instructions
Cons
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is less efficient than AMD's 7nm
- High power draw under full turbo
- LGA 1200 is a dead-end platform
Pros
- Excellent budget gaming performance
- 20 MB L3 cache
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
- Low 65W TDP
- Great single-core speeds
Cons
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Limited availability outside specific regions
- Lacks E-cores for background tasks
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-11400F
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400FRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100FRival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GRival
APU Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better IPC and newer platform with upgradeability.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Stronger multi-core and better efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-11400Alt
Includes integrated graphics for a safety net.
Cheaper alternative for strictly basic tasks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores for heavy productivity workloads.
Intel Core i5-12490F
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11400FRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XRival
Desktop
Includes integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Mature platform with strong gaming performance.
Better multi-core performance with E-cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Newer AM5 platform with better upgrade path.
Our Verdict on Each
An exceptional value processor for purely discrete GPU gaming builds, offering impressive IPC gains and PCIe 4.0 at a rock-bottom price.
Best for: Building a budget gaming PC with a discrete GPU
Read the full reviewAn excellent budget gaming CPU with high clock speeds and 20MB of cache, perfect for users who already own a dedicated GPU.
Best for: The Core i5-12490F is an excellent buy if you are building a budget gaming rig and can find it at a price lower than the i5-12400F or i5-12500. Because it lacks integrated graphics, you must pair it with a dedicated GPU. The higher clock speeds and 20 MB of L3 cache give it a slight edge in gaming over the 12400F. However, if the price is identical to the 12500, the 12500 might be preferable due to its included UHD 770 graphics. Ensure you pair it with a B660 or Z690 board to maximize value and features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Intel Core i5-11400F and Intel Core i5-12490F use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-11400F: Intel Socket 1200, Intel Core i5-12490F: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-12490F posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-11400F (9,500), Intel Core i5-12490F (18,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.