CPU Comparison
Core i5-11400H vs Intel Core i5-12450HX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11400H is a high-performance mobile processor that sits comfortably in the mid-range tier of the Tiger Lake-H lineup. Released in May 2021, this 10nm chip is engineered to deliver robust performance for gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Featuring 6 cores and 12 threads, it offers a base clock of 2.2 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.5 GHz, ensuring snappy single-threaded performance for everyday applications and gaming. With a 35W base TDP that can be configured up to 45W, it is designed to balance power consumption and raw computational power. The processor is equipped with 12MB of L3 cache and supports 20 lanes of PCIe 4.0, enabling high-speed connectivity for dedicated graphics cards and rapid NVMe storage. While it shares the same core count as the i5-11260H, its slightly higher clock speeds provide a marginal edge in frame rates and rendering times, making it a popular choice for mid-tier gaming laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Easily handles heavy multitasking and office applications.
Excels in multi-threaded productivity applications due to the 12-thread hybrid design.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance when paired with mid-range GPUs.
Provides high frame rates in modern titles when paired with a mid-range to high-end discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Capable of running light virtual machines efficiently.
Capable of running local virtual machines efficiently, though core count limits heavy parallel VMs.
Efficiency
Strong efficiency metrics due to the 10nm SuperFin node.
Efficiency is lower compared to P and U series due to the 55W base power and desktop lineage.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- AVX-512 support for AI workloads
- GNA 2.0 for background noise cancellation
- No dedicated NPU
- Can handle basic local AI inference.
- Lacks a dedicated NPU found in newer generations.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ideal for RTX 3060 / RX 6600M tier laptops
- Strong single-core boost speeds
- Handles modern AAA titles at high settings
- High boost clocks ensure strong single-core gaming performance.
- Requires a dedicated GPU as the UHD 710 iGPU is only for display output.
- PCIe 5.0 ensures no bottleneck for latest generation graphics cards.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong single-core performance
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Good power efficiency
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard
- Only supports DDR4 (no DDR5)
- Basic integrated graphics
Pros
- Desktop-class performance in a mobile form factor
- 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes for high expandability
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory
- Strong multi-threaded capability for the price
- High power headroom for sustained boosts
Cons
- High base TDP limits battery life
- Basic UHD 710 integrated graphics
- BGA socket prevents upgrades
- Core overclocking is limited
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-11400H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11260HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11500HAlt
Offers higher clocks and better integrated graphics (UHD 750).
Better single-core performance for older games.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Lower power alternative for thin-and-light laptops.
A newer 12th Gen alternative with better multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-12450HX
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-12500HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-12650HXAlt
Offers more cores and threads for heavier multi-threaded workloads.
Slightly lower power variant for thinner chassis.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Superior multi-threading and integrated graphics.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly balanced 6-core mobile CPU offering excellent mid-range performance for gaming and productivity.
Best for: If you are shopping for a mid-range gaming laptop from the 2021-2022 era, the Intel Core i5-11400H remains a highly viable option. It provides excellent value, delivering 6-core performance that easily handles modern games when paired with a mid-tier GPU like an RTX 3050 Ti or RTX 3060. For students and casual content creators, this processor offers more than enough power for 1080p video editing and coding. However, if you are buying new today, you might find better efficiency and multi-threaded performance in newer Ryzen 6000 or 13th-gen Intel chips. When considering a laptop with the 11400H, prioritize models with robust cooling, as thermal throttling can limit its boost clocks. Overall, for budget buyers who don't need the absolute latest architecture, it remains a solid, cost-effective choice for everyday computing and gaming.
Read the full reviewA highly capable mobile processor offering desktop-derived architecture, excellent PCIe expandability, and robust multi-threading for budget enthusiast laptops.
Best for: Purchasing a mid-range gaming laptop that requires desktop-class I/O and sustained performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-11400H or Intel Core i5-12450HX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-12450HX 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, Core i5-11400H or Intel Core i5-12450HX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-12450HX leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i5-11400H and Intel Core i5-12450HX.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-11400H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-11400H (35 W), Intel Core i5-12450HX (55 W).
Do Core i5-11400H and Intel Core i5-12450HX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-11400H: Intel BGA 1787, Intel Core i5-12450HX: Intel BGA 1964), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-12450HX has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-11400H (6 cores), Intel Core i5-12450HX (8 cores).