The Intel Core i5-12400, part of the Alder Lake family, is engineered to deliver a seamless computing experience for gamers and professionals alike. Built on the Intel 7 lithography, this processor features 6 high-performance cores and 12 threads, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsive performance across a wide variety of demanding applications.
Performance is driven by a base frequency of 2.50 GHz that can boost up to 4.40 GHz, supported by an 18 MB Intel Smart Cache. Whether you are gaming at 1080p or handling office workloads, the i5-12400 provides a stable and powerful foundation. It also includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730, allowing for a functional system even without a dedicated graphics card.
Designed for flexibility, the i5-12400 supports both DDR4 (up to 3200 MT/s) and the newer DDR5 (up to 4800 MT/s) memory standards, giving builders the freedom to choose their RAM based on budget and performance needs. With support for PCI Express 5.0 and 4.0, it is ready for the latest high-speed NVMe SSDs and GPUs.
Efficiency is a core focus, with a base power of 65W and a maximum turbo power of 117W. The processor utilizes Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Hyper-Threading to maximize throughput when the workload peaks, while remaining manageable under standard cooling solutions.
For those prioritizing security and reliability, the i5-12400 comes equipped with Intel Boot Guard, AES New Instructions, and Control-Flow Enforcement Technology. This makes it a secure choice for both home users and business environments requiring robust hardware-level protection.
Specifications
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12th Generation
Generation
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Alder Lake
Code Name
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6 (Performance-cores)
Cores
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12
Threads
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2.50 GHz
Base Frequency
graphic_eq
4.40 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
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18 MB Intel Smart Cache
Cache
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7.5 MB
L2 Cache
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65 W
Base Power
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117 W
Max Turbo Power
memory
DDR5 4800 MT/s, DDR4 3200 MT/s
Memory Support
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128 GB
Max Memory Size
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Intel UHD Graphics 730
Integrated Graphics
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5.0 and 4.0
Pci Express
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FCLGA1700
Socket
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Intel 7
Lithography
thumb_up Pros
Excellent balance of power and efficiency
Dual memory support (DDR4 and DDR5)
Integrated graphics provide a useful backup
Strong multitasking with 12 threads
Modern PCIe 5.0 compatibility
thumb_down Cons
No Efficient-cores (P-cores only)
Turbo Boost Max 3.0 not supported
For Sri Lankan shoppers, the i5-12400 is a highly recommended 'value-for-money' CPU. If you are on a tight budget, pair it with a B660 or B760 motherboard and DDR4 RAM to save costs. If you are building a future-proof rig, opt for a DDR5 compatible motherboard. Ensure you have a compatible LGA1700 socket motherboard.
★★★★★
"A great foundation for a 2022 gaming PC build, offering a sweet spot for RAM speed and motherboard pairing."
★★★★★
"Impressive benchmarks that put it in direct competition with Ryzen alternatives for mid-range builds."
★★★★★
"The i5-12400 delivers a very stable experience for those who don't need the extreme overhead of the i5-12500."
Video Reviews
Best i5 12400 Gaming PC Build 2022 - RAM Speed, Motherboard, Cooler & More! | i5 12400F PC Build
PC Builder · 492,533 views
AMD Defeat: Intel i5-12400 CPU Review & Benchmarks vs. Ryzen
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Intel Core i5-12500 vs. 12400 Differences, Benchmarks, & Review