CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4690S vs Core i5-12400T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4690S is a power-optimized variant of the standard Haswell Refresh quad-core processor, designed for users who prioritize thermal efficiency and lower power consumption over maximum clock speeds. Launched in May 2014 with a 65W TDP, it significantly reduces the thermal footprint compared to the 84W i5-4690.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy for everyday office tasks and web browsing. Prolonged multi-threaded workloads will run slightly slower than the 84W models due to lower base clocks and power limits.
Highly responsive for daily applications and moderate multitasking.
Gaming
Single-core performance is strong due to the 3.9 GHz turbo, matching the 4690K in lightly threaded games. Sustained multi-core loads will drop clocks to maintain the 65W envelope.
Decent for gaming with a discrete GPU, though limited by lower max boost compared to 65W variants.
Virtualization
VT-d support is excellent for basic homelabs, but the 4-core/4-thread limit and power-constrained turbo behavior restrict heavy virtualization workloads.
6 cores with 12 threads handle homelab virtualization well.
Efficiency
A clear step up in efficiency over the 84W Haswell parts, generating less heat and allowing for near-silent operation at stock settings.
Near-perfect efficiency for a desktop chip; runs exceptionally cool.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- AVX2 performance is throttled by the 65W power limit
- Not recommended for AI workloads
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU-based AI inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- 3.9 GHz turbo ensures high single-core burst performance
- 65W limit may cause clock drops in CPU-heavy open-world games
- Excellent for 60 FPS 1080p gaming with appropriate GPUs
- Low heat output benefits compact ITX cases
- Requires a discrete GPU for serious gaming
- Slightly lower FPS than 12400 due to clocks
- Excellent for living room gaming setups
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 65W TDP runs cool and quiet
- 3.9 GHz turbo boost provides strong single-core speed
- Includes VT-d and vPro for enterprise/homelab use
- Excellent for small form factor and HTPC builds
- Lower power consumption saves on electricity over time
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- 3.2 GHz base clock limits sustained multi-threaded performance
- Only supports DDR3 memory
- LGA 1150 platform is end-of-life
- TSX-NI disabled via microcode due to errata
- Harder to find than standard 84W models
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Pure P-core design
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Runs very cool
- DDR5 support
Cons
- Lower boost clocks than 12400
- Locked multiplier
- UHD 730 graphics are basic
- Harder to find than standard models
- PL2 drops quickly to 35W
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4690S
- AMD FX-8320ERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570SRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD A10-7800Rival
APU Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4690TRival
Ultra-Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4790SRival
Low-Power Desktop
Choose the standard 84W version if your case has adequate cooling and you need higher sustained multi-core clocks.
Compare head-to-headChoose this if you want the ability to overclock and are not constrained by thermals.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
A modern low-power alternative with 6 cores, 12 threads, and vastly better efficiency for a new build.
- Intel Core i5-12400TAlt
A modern 35W/65W alternative that obliterates this CPU in performance while using a fraction of the power.
Core i5-12400T
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GRival
Desktop APU
- Intel Core i5-12400Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Rival
Desktop
Newer generation with more hybrid cores for better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-headCheaper and sufficient for basic office tasks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GAlt
Much better integrated graphics in a low-power envelope.
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-4690S is a smart choice for compact systems, offering a 65W TDP without heavily sacrificing single-core performance thanks to a 3.9 GHz turbo boost, making it a versatile chip for its era.
Best for: Upgrading an older compact PC, HTPC, or ITX system where heat and noise are primary concerns and an LGA 1150 motherboard is already present.
Read the full reviewAn incredibly efficient 6-core CPU that delivers excellent everyday desktop performance with near-silent operation, perfect for compact builds.
Best for: Building a silent or compact PC where heat output is the primary concern.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4690S or Core i5-12400T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-12400T comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i5-4690S or Core i5-12400T?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400T leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-4690S and Core i5-12400T.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-12400T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4690S (65 W), Core i5-12400T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4690S and Core i5-12400T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4690S: LGA 1150, Core i5-12400T: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-12400T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-4690S (4 cores), Core i5-12400T (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-12400T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4690S (4,850), Core i5-12400T (12,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.