CPU Comparison
Core i5-12400 vs Intel Core i7-11700
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.
8 cores make quick work of office applications, compilation, and media consumption.
Gaming
Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.
Holds its own in modern gaming, easily pushing high frame rates when paired with mid-to-high tier GPUs.
Virtualization
Very capable for homelab and development VMs.
Solid host for virtual machines thanks to 16 threads and VT-d support.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.
14nm node is less efficient than AMD's 7nm parts, drawing more power under load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
- AVX-512 support helps with specific AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Does not bottleneck current mid-range GPUs
- Strong single-core speeds
- Consistent frame times due to pure P-cores
- Strong single-core boost speeds
- Capable of handling GPU-intensive games
- iGPU allows troubleshooting if GPU fails
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
- Includes UHD 750 integrated graphics
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Supports 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Good single-core performance
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is power-hungry under load
- End-of-life LGA 1200 platform
- Runs warm compared to 10nm chips
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 i7-11700
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-11600KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-10700KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer architecture, better efficiency, and similar performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better value and power efficiency.
Cheaper if you already own a dedicated GPU.
Compare head-to-headVastly superior multi-core and gaming performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More efficient 8-core alternative.
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 reviewA well-rounded 8-core CPU that offers great everyday performance and integrated graphics, though it lags in efficiency compared to newer generations.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 PC and wanting integrated graphics.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-12400 or Intel Core i7-11700?
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 i7-11700?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Core i5-12400 and Intel Core i7-11700.
Do Core i5-12400 and Intel Core i7-11700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-12400: LGA 1700, Intel Core i7-11700: LGA 1200), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-11700 has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-12400 (6 cores), Intel Core i7-11700 (8 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). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.