PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Core i5-11400F

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $252 less on MSRP ($157 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 107.7 vs 84.0 PassMark/$ ($157 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Core i7-12700K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (16,902 vs 34,347).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i7-12700K moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-12700K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +54.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core i5-11400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 84.0 vs 107.7 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $157 MSRP).
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-11400F.

Core i5-11400F

2021

Core i7-12700K

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $252 less on MSRP ($157 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 107.7 vs 84.0 PassMark/$ ($157 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Core i7-12700K.

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +54.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Core i5-11400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (16,902 vs 34,347).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i7-12700K moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 84.0 vs 107.7 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $157 MSRP).
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-11400F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-12700K better than Core i5-11400F?

Yes. Core i7-12700K is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 54.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 103.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-12700K is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 54.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-12700K is the better fit. You are getting 103.2% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 20 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-12700K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-11400F makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Core i7-12700K is 160.5% more expensive on MSRP at $409 MSRP versus $157 MSRP, and it gives you a 54.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-11400F is also 28.2% better value on MSRP (107.7 vs 84.0 PassMark/$), which is why it is easier to justify for price-conscious builds on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1200 + DDR4 setup, Core i5-11400F can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-12700K is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200, 108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 20 threads instead of 6/12. That should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Core i5-11400F Benchmark Check

Core i7-12700K Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i5-11400F	Core i7-12700K
1080p
low	167 FPS	314 FPS
medium	145 FPS	295 FPS
high	117 FPS	246 FPS
ultra	99 FPS	193 FPS
1440p
low	141 FPS	269 FPS
medium	121 FPS	225 FPS
high	97 FPS	182 FPS
ultra	82 FPS	145 FPS
4K
low	79 FPS	170 FPS
medium	73 FPS	142 FPS
high	57 FPS	109 FPS
ultra	45 FPS	96 FPS

Open Core i5-11400F Open Core i7-12700K

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i5-11400F	Core i7-12700K
1080p
low	279 FPS	630 FPS
medium	237 FPS	533 FPS
high	222 FPS	450 FPS
ultra	198 FPS	410 FPS
1440p
low	253 FPS	536 FPS
medium	213 FPS	475 FPS
high	202 FPS	403 FPS
ultra	179 FPS	349 FPS
4K
low	215 FPS	312 FPS
medium	183 FPS	280 FPS
high	169 FPS	266 FPS
ultra	138 FPS	234 FPS

Open Core i5-11400F Open Core i7-12700K

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i5-11400F	Core i7-12700K
1080p
low	423 FPS	797 FPS
medium	421 FPS	633 FPS
high	383 FPS	556 FPS
ultra	342 FPS	472 FPS
1440p
low	423 FPS	704 FPS
medium	385 FPS	565 FPS
high	345 FPS	490 FPS
ultra	308 FPS	422 FPS
4K
low	337 FPS	510 FPS
medium	290 FPS	425 FPS
high	251 FPS	381 FPS
ultra	202 FPS	321 FPS

Open Core i5-11400F Open Core i7-12700K

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i5-11400F	Core i7-12700K
1080p
low	423 FPS	859 FPS
medium	423 FPS	802 FPS
high	423 FPS	699 FPS
ultra	423 FPS	628 FPS
1440p
low	423 FPS	760 FPS
medium	423 FPS	678 FPS
high	423 FPS	590 FPS
ultra	423 FPS	519 FPS
4K
low	423 FPS	535 FPS
medium	423 FPS	488 FPS
high	411 FPS	437 FPS
ultra	358 FPS	384 FPS

Open Core i5-11400F Open Core i7-12700K

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-11400F and Core i7-12700K

Core i5-11400F

The Core i5-11400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 16,902 points. Launch price was $157.

Core i7-12700K

The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-11400F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-11400F versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 12.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-11400F uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11400F scores 16,902 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 68.1% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11400F vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.

Feature	Core i5-11400F	Core i7-12700K
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	12 / 20+100%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	5 GHz+14%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.6 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+108%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)+400%
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)
PassMark	16,902	34,347+103%
Geekbench 6 Single	2,000	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	7,600	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-11400F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11400F versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B560,Z590 (Core i5-11400F) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).

Feature	Core i5-11400F	Core i7-12700K
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	4800+119900%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+104857500%	128
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i5-11400F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-11400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11400F targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.

Feature	Core i5-11400F	Core i7-12700K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i5-11400F launched at $157 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. On MSRP ($157 vs $409), the Core i5-11400F is $252 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11400F delivers 107.7 pts/$ vs 84.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i5-11400F the 24.7% better value option.