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CPU Comparison: FPS, Specs & Value

Core i5-12400F vs Core i9-12900K

The Core i5-12400F is slightly slower than the Core i9-12900K on average across 100+ games. However, it's a much better value for money, as it's $278.96 cheaper!

  • Is 2 months newer
  • Up to 244% cheaper$159.99 vs $438.95
  • Up to 197% better value for money
  • Up to 16% faster on average across 100+ games
  • Up to 244% more expensive$438.95 vs $159.99

FPS Comparison Across Popular Games

Specs & Benchmark Comparison

Scorehelp

Core i9-12900K ranks 11 points higher.

Coreshelp

Core i9-12900K has 10 more cores.

Threadshelp

Core i9-12900K has 12 more threads.

L3 Cachehelp

Core i9-12900K has 12 MB more L3 cache.

Base Frequencyhelp

Core i9-12900K has a 28% higher base clock.

Turbo Frequencyhelp

Core i9-12900K boosts 18% higher.

TDPhelp

Core i5-12400F draws 60W less power.

Pricehelp

Core i5-12400F is $278.96 cheaper.

LGA1700
Sockethelp
LGA1700
Alder Lake-S
Codenamehelp
Alder Lake-S
Desktop
Segmenthelp
Desktop
No Integrated Graphics
Integrated GPUhelp
UHD Graphics 770
3200 MHz (DDR4), 4800 MHz (DDR5)
RAMhelp
3200 MHz (DDR4), 4800 MHz (DDR5)
Not Overclockable
Overclock Supporthelp
Overclockable

Frequently Asked Questions

compare_arrowsWhich is better, Core i5-12400F or Core i9-12900K?expand_more
The Core i9-12900K. It's 22% faster than the Core i5-12400F on average across 100+ games, scoring 62/100 vs 51/100 in our gaming rating.
speedHow much faster is Core i9-12900K than Core i5-12400F?expand_more
22% faster on average. The gap varies by game and resolution, check the per-game FPS comparison above.
aspect_ratioWhich is better for 1440p and 4K gaming, Core i5-12400F or Core i9-12900K?expand_more
The Core i9-12900K is faster at both resolutions. Toggle the resolution selector above to see per-game FPS.
paidIs the Core i9-12900K worth buying in 2026?expand_more
It scores 62/100 in our gaming rating, faster than most CPUs on the market. Good buy if the price is right.
differenceWhat is the difference between Core i5-12400F and Core i9-12900K?expand_more
Performance: Core i5-12400F scores 51/100, Core i9-12900K scores 62/100. They also differ in core count, clock speeds, L3 cache, and power draw. Full breakdown in the specs section above.
compressWill the Core i5-12400F or Core i9-12900K bottleneck my PC?expand_more
Depends on the rest of your build, especially your GPU. Swap the paired GPU in the FPS section above to see if it limits performance, or use our bottleneck calculator for a full analysis.
upgradeIs it worth upgrading to the Core i5-12400F or Core i9-12900K?expand_more
The Core i9-12900K is the stronger pick at 62/100. Compare your current CPU against it to see the exact FPS gain across 100+ games.

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