CPU Comparison
Core i5-12400 vs Intel Core i5-12490F
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-12400 is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor that redefined the mainstream market. Built on the Alder Lake architecture, it utilizes 6 pure Performance cores, reaching up to 4.4 GHz. With an 18MB L3 cache and a 65W base TDP, it strikes an optimal balance between power and thermals. It features UHD Graphics 730 for basic display output and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory on the LGA 1700 platform. Known for its exceptional price-to-performance ratio, it quickly became the go-to chip for budget gamers and productivity users alike.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy and reliable for all standard desktop applications.
Handles daily tasks easily but lacks E-cores for heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.
Delivers high framerates in modern titles when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Virtualization
Very capable for homelab and development VMs.
Adequate for basic VMs but limited by 6 cores.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.
Exceptional performance per watt at 65W base TDP.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Does not bottleneck current mid-range GPUs
- Strong single-core speeds
- Consistent frame times due to pure P-cores
- High single-core speed
- Large L3 cache benefits gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
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
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
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 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 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
Which is better, Core i5-12400 or Intel Core i5-12490F?
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, Core i5-12400 or Intel Core i5-12490F?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Core i5-12400 and Intel Core i5-12490F.
Do Core i5-12400 and Intel Core i5-12490F use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1700 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-12490F posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-12400 (16,500), Intel Core i5-12490F (18,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.