GizWires logo
GizWires logo

Follow Us

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.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8670
6C / 12T4.4 GHz65 W
8.5
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
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
12th Gen
Launched
2018
2022
Status
End-of-life
Active
Codename
Coffee Lake
Alder Lake-S
Series
Core i7
Core i5
Family
8th Generation
Alder Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-7700
Intel Core i5-11400
Successor
Intel Core i7-9700
Intel Core i5-13400

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
2.5 GHz
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
4.4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
18 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Coffee Lake
Alder Lake-S
Process Node
14nm
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
Intel Socket 1151
LGA 1700
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 5.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-8670Best88

12 threads make quick work of office and compiling tasks.

Core i5-1240085

Snappy and reliable for all standard desktop applications.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-867085

Handles modern games easily when paired with a mid-to-high-end GPU.

Core i5-12400Best90

Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-8670Best85

Capable of running multiple VMs smoothly.

Core i5-1240078

Very capable for homelab and development VMs.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-867085

Good efficiency within the 65W envelope.

Core i5-12400Best90

Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8670Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • Standard CPU inference
Core i5-12400Limited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Standard CPU inference

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8670Good
Premiere ProPhotoshopBlenderCode Compilation
Core i5-12400Good
Premiere Pro (1080p)PhotoshopOBS StudioBlender (CPU)

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8670Very Good
  • Won't bottleneck RTX 3060 or RX 6600 class GPUs
  • High turbo boost ensures smooth frame times
  • Great for 60Hz and 144Hz gaming
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
High
High
Workstations
Moderate
Moderate
Content Creation
High
High
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

1080p Gaming
Excellent
Excellent
Office Work
Excellent
Programming
Excellent
Excellent
Light Streaming
Very Good
Good
4K Video Editing
Fair
Esports Gaming
Excellent
Office Productivity
Excellent

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-8670

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
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 i7-8670

Core i5-12400

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 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 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.