CPU Comparison
Core i5-12400 vs Intel Core i5-4670T
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.
Four cores handle office apps and light multitasking with ease.
Gaming
Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.
Quad cores help with older titles, but HD 4600 limits modern gaming.
Virtualization
Very capable for homelab and development VMs.
Can run basic VMs, but lacks Hyper-Threading for better scaling.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.
Excellent performance-per-watt for a 2013 desktop chip.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Does not bottleneck current mid-range GPUs
- Strong single-core speeds
- Consistent frame times due to pure P-cores
- Integrated graphics too weak
- CPU is fine for legacy games
- Needs a dedicated GPU for real gaming
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
- True 4 physical cores
- Low 45W TDP for a quad-core
- 6MB of L3 cache
- Good for basic home servers
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading
- Low base clock of 2.3 GHz
- Obsolete DDR3 memory
- Locked multiplier
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 i5-4670T
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570SRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4440SRival
Desktop
- AMD A10-6790KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4770TRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
Modern quad-core with massive single-thread improvements.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Cheap hex-core with great multi-threading.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Excellent modern budget 6-core.
- AMD Ryzen 3 4100Alt
Budget quad-core with modern features.
- Intel Pentium G7400Alt
Modern dual-core for basic office builds.
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 impressive engineering feat for its time, delivering true quad-core performance in a 45W package, though outdated now.
Best for: The Core i5-4670T is largely obsolete but retains niche value for budget builders repurposing old hardware. If you already own an LGA 1150 motherboard, finding a used 4670T can be a worthwhile, inexpensive upgrade from a dual-core Pentium or i3, offering true quad-core performance for basic gaming and multitasking. It is particularly attractive if you are building a low-power home server or a pfSense router, as the 45 W TDP keeps electricity costs down. However, do not build a new system around this processor. It lacks modern instructions, DDR4 support, and the single-core performance needed for modern AAA gaming. If purchasing, ensure the price is minimal. For any new build, a modern Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 will offer significantly better performance and efficiency out of the box.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-12400 or Intel Core i5-4670T?
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 i5-4670T?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Core i5-12400 and Intel Core i5-4670T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4670T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-12400 (65 W), Intel Core i5-4670T (45 W).
Do Core i5-12400 and Intel Core i5-4670T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-12400: LGA 1700, Intel Core i5-4670T: Intel Socket 1150 (LGA1150)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-12400 has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-12400 (6 cores), Intel Core i5-4670T (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-12400 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-12400 (16,500), Intel Core i5-4670T (5,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.