CPU Comparison
Core i5-12400 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL
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.
Strong single-threaded performance handles everyday applications smoothly.
Gaming
Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.
Capable of running e-sports and older titles at 1080p, but struggles with modern AAA games without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Very capable for homelab and development VMs.
Adequate for light virtualization, though limited to 8 CPU PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.
Excellent power efficiency due to the LP E-Cores and advanced process nodes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
- 11 TOPS NPU for background AI tasks
- Arc Xe-LPG handles larger AI bursts
- Supports DLBoost 3.0 and AI Boost NPU 3
Content Creation
Gaming
- Does not bottleneck current mid-range GPUs
- Strong single-core speeds
- Consistent frame times due to pure P-cores
- Integrated Arc Xe-LPG 112EU handles light gaming
- Not recommended for high-refresh-rate AAA gaming without a discrete GPU
- Limited CPU PCIe lanes may bottleneck high-end discrete GPUs
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 power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI workloads
- Capable Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics
- Supports modern DDR5-5600 memory
- Hybrid architecture handles multitasking well
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Only 8 CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Relatively low base clock speed
- Not ideal for heavy gaming without a dGPU
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 Ultra 5 125HL
- AMD Ryzen 5 8600GRival
Desktop APU
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Desktop CPU
- Intel Core i5-12400Rival
Desktop CPU
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop CPU
Offers higher clock speeds and more integrated graphics execution units.
Compare head-to-headBetter raw CPU performance if a discrete GPU is used.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core Ultra 7 155HLAlt
More cores and higher performance for demanding workloads.
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 balanced entry-level Meteor Lake desktop CPU offering solid efficiency and AI capabilities, though not ideal for heavy gaming or extreme multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Building a compact, efficient desktop for office work and AI-assisted applications.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-12400 or Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL?
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 Ultra 5 125HL?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Core i5-12400 and Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-12400 (65 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (45 W).
Do Core i5-12400 and Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-12400: LGA 1700, Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL: Intel Socket 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL has the most cores. Core counts: Core i5-12400 (6 cores), Intel Core Ultra 5 125HL (14 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 Ultra 5 125HL (8,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.