Intel Core i3-14100F vs Core i5-12400F: Which is best for gaming?

Which Intel processor is a better pick (Image via Amazon/Intel)
Intel processors (Image via Amazon/Intel)

The Intel Core i3-14100F vs Core i5-12400F battle is quite interesting. Since the two CPUs have identical prices, consumers may find it difficult to choose between the two. The i3-14100F, being a more recent release, benefits from architectural improvements and efficiencies. However, the i5-12400F packs more of a punch, on paper at least.

This article offers an Intel Core i3-14100F vs Core i5-12400F comparison and takes a look at the performances of the two chips to determine which one is superior.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the writer’s opinion.


Intel Core i3-14100F vs Core i5-12400F: Hardware configuration

Specification comparison of two Team Blue chips (Image via Intel)
Specification comparison of two Team Blue chips (Image via Intel)

The Core i3-14100F and Core i5-12400F are based on entirely different architectures. The newer 14th-gen i3 chip is based on Raptor Lake Refresh, while its older 12th-gen i5 counterpart uses Alder Lake.

Let’s have a closer look at their core specifications to understand how they perform.

Specifications

Intel Core i3-14100F

Intel Core i5-12400F

Architecture

Raptor Lake Refresh

Alder Lake

Cores

4

6

Threads

8

12

Base frequency

3.5Ghz

2.5Ghz

Boost frequency

4.7Ghz

4.4Ghz

L1 cache

80K (per core)

80K (per core)

L2 cache

2MB (per core)

1280K (per core)

L3 cache

12MB (shared)

18MB (shared)

Fabrication process

10nm

10nm

TDP

58W

65W

Memory support

DDR5-4800 and DDR4-3200

DDR5-4800 and DDR4-3200

PCIe version

5.0

5.0

Price

Available at $111

Available at $109

Both CPUs offer impressive specs for their prices. Nevertheless, they are markedly different in their configurations. The Intel i5 processor stands tall with its formidable six-core/12-thread architecture, a clear distinction from its i3 counterpart's more modest four-core/eight-thread setup.

Apart from that, there are also differences in terms of cache memory and clock speeds. Being a newer option, the Intel Core i3-14100F has faster clocks, lower TDP, and more L2 cache.

There are a few similarities as well. Both chips are built using a 10nm fabrication process, support DDR5-4800 and DDR4-3200 memory, and PCIe version 5.0. This means both are great future-proof options.


Intel Core i3-14100F vs Core i5-12400F: Performance

Two pocket-friendly CPUs test (Image via Ubuy/Intel)
Two pocket-friendly CPUs test (Image via Ubuy/Intel)

By now, you might have a rough idea about how these CPUs perform. However, for a bigger picture, we should look at their real-world performances.


Synthetic tests

Let’s start by looking at some benchmark test numbers sourced from Nano Review.

Tests

Intel Core i3-14100F

Intel Core i5-12400F

Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)

1737 (+2%)

1696

Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)

8755

11928 (+36%)

Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)

2429 (+6%)

2300

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)

8880

9477 (+7%)

Passmark CPU (Single-Core)

3775 (+8%)

3508

Passmark CPU (Multi-Core)

15405

19553 (+27%)

While the Intel Core i5-12400F outperforms its competitor in every multi-core thread, it falls short in scenarios where only a single core is used. This means it will offer optimal performance in video editing software, 3D rendering programs, large data processing tasks, and some modern titles.

On the flip side, single-threaded applications or games will run more smoothly on the Intel Core i3-14100F.


Gaming performance

To get more insights into the Intel Core i3-14100F vs Core i5-12400F gaming performance comparison. I have compiled the average FPS of both CPUs in various popular games. This data is sourced from the Testing Games YouTube channel.

Games

Intel Core i3-14100F

Intel Core i5-12400F

Starfield

80

91 (+13%)

Forza Horizon 5

196

204 (+4%)

Ghost of Tsushima

142

143

Horizon Forbidden West

115

130 (+13%)

Cyberpunk

69

77 (+11%)

The Witcher 3

73

87 (+19%)

Hogwarts Legacy

54

55 (+1%)

Red Dead Redemption 2

113

131 (+16%)

It is evident that the 12th-gen i5 chip is more powerful as it delivers high FPS in almost every title. However, this doesn’t mean that the other option from Intel is bad. It also offers respectable FPS.


Intel Core i3-14100F vs Core i5-12400F: Final verdict

Based on the comparison above, it is safe to assume that the Intel Core i5-12400F is slightly more capable (in terms of raw performance) than the Intel Core i3-14100F. If you want superior performance, you should definitely go for it.


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