Core i5-12450HX
CPU·Entry

Core i5-12450HX

Intel

PassMark

18,064

10 May 2022 (3 years ago)
55 Watt
Alder Lake-HX (2022)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

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.

Overview

The Core i5-12450HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,064 points. Launch price was $299.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-12450HX across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Civilization VI

Civilization VI

1080p
low288 FPS
medium250 FPS
high211 FPS
ultra172 FPS
1440p
low219 FPS
medium197 FPS
high161 FPS
ultra127 FPS
4k
low137 FPS
medium123 FPS
high99 FPS
ultra74 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low335 FPS
medium285 FPS
high261 FPS
ultra232 FPS
1440p
low294 FPS
medium256 FPS
high239 FPS
ultra208 FPS
4k
low233 FPS
medium208 FPS
high196 FPS
ultra169 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

1080p
low243 FPS
medium215 FPS
high182 FPS
ultra135 FPS
1440p
low212 FPS
medium185 FPS
high154 FPS
ultra118 FPS
4k
low131 FPS
medium115 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra70 FPS
Deadlock

Deadlock

1080p
low192 FPS
medium161 FPS
high141 FPS
ultra123 FPS
1440p
low175 FPS
medium149 FPS
high133 FPS
ultra115 FPS
4k
low111 FPS
medium93 FPS
high74 FPS
ultra66 FPS
Destiny 2

Destiny 2

1080p
low285 FPS
medium253 FPS
high220 FPS
ultra193 FPS
1440p
low260 FPS
medium234 FPS
high203 FPS
ultra174 FPS
4k
low200 FPS
medium183 FPS
high145 FPS
ultra127 FPS
Euro Truck Simulator 2

Euro Truck Simulator 2

1080p
low237 FPS
medium205 FPS
high178 FPS
ultra156 FPS
1440p
low226 FPS
medium196 FPS
high170 FPS
ultra154 FPS
4k
low183 FPS
medium156 FPS
high135 FPS
ultra115 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low452 FPS
medium452 FPS
high450 FPS
ultra397 FPS
1440p
low452 FPS
medium452 FPS
high405 FPS
ultra359 FPS
4k
low410 FPS
medium340 FPS
high298 FPS
ultra242 FPS
Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds

1080p
low79 FPS
medium70 FPS
high56 FPS
ultra45 FPS
1440p
low53 FPS
medium45 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low24 FPS
medium22 FPS
high16 FPS
ultra12 FPS
Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2

1080p
low452 FPS
medium452 FPS
high425 FPS
ultra338 FPS
1440p
low410 FPS
medium383 FPS
high346 FPS
ultra279 FPS
4k
low183 FPS
medium168 FPS
high158 FPS
ultra134 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low169 FPS
medium151 FPS
high123 FPS
ultra105 FPS
1440p
low142 FPS
medium122 FPS
high98 FPS
ultra83 FPS
4k
low80 FPS
medium74 FPS
high59 FPS
ultra45 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-12450HX specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i5-12450HX is a 8-core / 12-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 18,064, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,150.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units8C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost4.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designAlder Lake-HX (2022)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficientIntel 7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache80K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor215 mm2
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleYes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclockedYes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score18,064
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming2,150
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12450HX fits into the FCBGA1964 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 48 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics for 12th Gen — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1964
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion48
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4, DDR5
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR5-4800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorUHD Graphics for 12th Gen
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM670,WM690
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-12450HX is primarily designed for Workstation/Enthusiast Laptop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 5 7645HX.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryWorkstation/Enthusiast Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerRyzen 5 7645HX
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-12450HX has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 55 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload55 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionNone
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #878 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i5-12450HX
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$299
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#878
Release DateLaunch date10 May 2022 (3 years ago)
Release Year2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

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