CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8670 vs Core i5-12400
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8670 is a mainstream desktop processor designed to deliver balanced performance for both gaming and productivity. As part of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it features six cores and twelve threads, a significant upgrade over the previous generation's quad-core i7 designs. Operating at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 4.4 GHz, it offers snappy single-threaded performance and solid multi-threaded capabilities. With a standard 65-watt TDP, it strikes an excellent balance between power consumption and heat generation, making it compatible with a wide range of affordable coolers. The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 allows for basic display functionality without a discrete GPU, though serious gamers and creators will want to pair it with a dedicated graphics card. This processor is tailored for users who demand reliable hexa-core performance for everyday tasks, moderate content creation, and a smooth 60 FPS gaming experience without paying a premium for the highest clock speeds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Snappy and reliable for all standard desktop applications.
Gaming
Handles modern games easily when paired with a mid-to-high-end GPU.
Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.
Virtualization
Capable of running multiple VMs smoothly.
Very capable for homelab and development VMs.
Efficiency
Good efficiency within the 65W envelope.
Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3060 or RX 6600 class GPUs
- High turbo boost ensures smooth frame times
- Great for 60Hz and 144Hz gaming
- Does not bottleneck current mid-range GPUs
- Strong single-core speeds
- Consistent frame times due to pure P-cores
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Easy to cool (65W)
- Good turbo boost speeds
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited upgrade path on LGA 1151
- Marginal improvement over i7-8700
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 i7-8670
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Much faster single-core and newer platform.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better performance and modern features.
Cheaper 10th gen alternative with similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores and better efficiency.
Core i5-12400
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop
More hybrid cores for better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-headMuch cheaper for pure budget gaming.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A well-balanced 65W hexa-core CPU that offers excellent value for 1080p gaming and everyday productivity without the premium of K-series chips.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewAn 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 reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8670 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 i7-8670 or Core i5-12400?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-8670 and Core i5-12400.
Do Intel Core i7-8670 and Core i5-12400 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8670: Intel Socket 1151, 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 i7-8670 (14,000), Core i5-12400 (16,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.