Intel Core i5-12400F vs Intel Core i5-9400F

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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Core i5-12400F compared with Core i5-9400F
IntelCore i5-12400FIntelCore i5-9400F
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2022January 2019
Cores and clocks
Cores66
Threads12 (better)6
Base clock2.5 GHz2.9 GHz
Boost clock4.4 GHz (better)4.1 GHz
L3 cache18 MB (better)9 MB
Cores6 P-cores and no E-cores; 12 threads. Intel Thread Director is not supported.Six cores without Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 supported. Intel's F suffix denotes a processor requiring separate graphics; its multiplier is locked.
Clocks2.5 GHz P-core base, up to 4.4 GHz P-core turbo; locked multiplier confirmed by io-tech and TechPowerUp.Maximum turbo is a single-core frequency; sustained clocks depend on cooling and motherboard power settings. Intel publishes TDP without a separate maximum turbo-power figure.
Cache18 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3); 7.5 MB total L2.–
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphicsNoNo
GraphicsNo integrated graphics; a separate graphics card is required (Intel F-series support).No integrated GPU; a separate graphics card is required, including for motherboard display outputs.
Platform
SocketLGA1700LGA1151
Base power65 W65 W
Maximum power117 W–
UnlockedNoNo
Cooler in the boxYesYes
Memory supportUp to 128 GB; two channels; DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200; 76.8 GB/s maximum bandwidth.Up to 128 GB; two channels; DDR4-2666; 41.6 GB/s maximum bandwidth; ECC not supported.
PCIePCIe 5.0 and 4.0; 20 CPU lanes, up to 1×16+4 or 2×8+4; DMI 4.0 ×8.PCIe 3.0; 16 CPU lanes, configured as 1×16, 2×8 or 1×8+2×4.
ProcessIntel 7; Alder Lake; FCLGA1700, 45 × 37.5 mm package; 100°C Tjunction.14 nm; Coffee Lake; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 100°C maximum junction temperature. ComputerBase identifies a paste thermal interface on its launch sample; this should not be assumed for every later stepping.
CoolerIntel Laminar RM1 included with boxed retail processor (Intel support).Boxed cooler included and tested by TechSpot. Intel 300-series motherboard compatibility requires the appropriate BIOS and vendor support. Intel's January release notice gives a late-January through first-quarter rollout for the new models; IT Home reports the exact 9400F on sale in China on 28 January, supporting month precision rather than a confirmed worldwide first-sale day.

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