Intel Core i5-12400F 12th Generation Desktop Processor (Base Clock: 2.5GHz, 6 Cores, LGA1700, RAM DDR4 and DDR5 up to 128GB)

I am not a heavy gamer, but I do like to game and this processor has been perfect as a replacement for an older i5. I bought it as the mobo failed in my pc, but as the chip and mobo were so old it meant I needed to replace both. This i5 is definitely faster than the older architecture ones (my other was gen 3) and with a 3050 and 32gb of RAM, I can easily play online shooters and horrors with my friends without feeling I am at a disadvantage to them. As I needed to get a cpu quickly I had to get a cheaper one that if I had planned and saved for an upgrade, but despite it being under £150 it seems very well priced. Obviously for machines that need to do a lot more this might not be the chip for you but for a bit of online gaming and some streaming, I have no complaints.

The Intel Core i5-12400F is hands down one of the best budget CPUs available. I have been blown away by the performance it delivers for the price. It handles everything I throw at it with ease, whether it is gaming, multitasking or heavier workloads like editing. Temperatures stay low with a decent cooler and it runs very efficiently overall. Setup was easy and I had no issues getting it up and running. For anyone building a mid-range system or looking for serious value without sacrificing performance, this CPU is an absolute no brainer. I would definitely buy it again and highly recommend it.

Intel Core i5-12400F Review: The Budget King of Alder Lake The Intel Core i5-12400F is a standout in the 12th Gen Alder Lake lineup, offering 6 high-performance cores (P-cores) and 12 threads without the hybrid E-core setup. It’s a pure performer that delivers exceptional value for gamers, streamers, and productivity users alike. ⚙️ Strong Single-Core and Multi-Core Performance With a base clock of 2.5GHz and boost up to 4.4GHz, the 12400F handles modern workloads with ease. Whether you're gaming at high FPS, editing videos, or multitasking across demanding apps, this chip keeps pace with pricier competitors. 🎮 Perfect for Mid-Tier Gaming Builds Paired with a solid GPU like the RTX 4060 or RX 6700 XT, the 12400F delivers smooth 1080p and 1440p gaming. Its strong IPC and efficient architecture make it ideal for titles that rely on fast single-thread performance. 🧊 Cool and Efficient Thanks to Intel’s 7nm process and lack of integrated graphics, the 12400F runs cooler and draws less power than many rivals. It’s easy to cool with budget air coolers like the Thermalright Assassin X 120R SE PLUS, and works well in compact builds. 💸 Exceptional Value for the Specs At its price point, the 12400F is hard to beat. You get 6 cores, 12 threads, PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support (via compatible motherboards), and rock-solid performance for gaming and productivity—all without overspending. 🔧 Compatible and Future-Proof It works seamlessly with B660 and H610 motherboards, and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. That gives you flexibility to upgrade gradually without locking into expensive components. Whether you're building a gaming rig, a home workstation, or a hybrid setup, the Intel Core i5-12400F is a smart, reliable choice. It’s proof that you don’t need to chase flagship CPUs to get flagship-level performance where it matters.

This has gone onto an MSI PRO B760M-A as part of a new build for my son. This CPU offers good value performance in a mid-range gaming system. Load times are snappy and the included cooler is pretty decent. We will be replacing that in the future though it's awesome Intel still bundle good quality coolers with their CPUs.

I ordered this two years ago when building my first PC and have, generally, not had any issues with it. I originally ordered a separate fan that arrived faulty and had to be returned, so for these two years I've been using the stock fan that comes with the CPU. In the past few weeks I noticed some overheating issues, no big deal, I ordered my thermal paste and isopropyl alcohol, made sure I knew what I needed to do, etc. Unmounting the fan was a nightmare. One of the plastic push pins fell apart with a single touch, the other three were so warped that twisting and pulling did nothing until I felt like I was about to break the motherboard. Mounting it again was worse. So much worse. As mentioned, the pins were so warped after two years that it took me a whole hour to get them to think about mounting in a vaguely stable manner. I started my PC, it overheated instantly because the cooler wasn't close enough to the CPU despite everything being stable. After more jiggling, threatening to break the motherboard, and generally losing my marbles my PC now runs again. 10C hotter than it did before I changed the paste. I'm idling at 70C with a word document open. I have done everything else correctly but this fan was sent from hell to torment me. I hate it. I am so angry at it. Anyway needless to say I've ordered a different highly-rated cooler with *screws* that will be arriving tomorrow and I cannot wait to take a hammer to this one. Get the CPU. Buy a different cooler.

Easy to install and does exactly what is "says on the tin". I was looking for a mid-range i5 CPU to build a new gaming PC and this chip does not disappoint. It had great reviews anyway, so I can now add to that. The package also came with it's own heat-sink, which was a bonus and works fantastic - Very easy to install too. Very impressed and highly recommended.

Used to build a new PC for editing high quality YT videos - fast processor, works well.

Budget cpu excellent