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Intel Core i5-12400 Desktop Processor 18M Cache, up to 4.40 GHz
Intel

Intel Core i5-12400 Desktop Processor 18M Cache, up to 4.40 GHz

Bottom line: The Intel Core i5-12400 Desktop Processor 18M Cache ($185.33 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 16:17 UTC): 18 MB L3 cache and up to 4.40 GHz turbo for mainstream gaming; main trade-off: 65W base power limits headroom versus higher-tier 12th Gen chips.

$185.33

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Buy on Amazon — $185.33 Compare to similar processors

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 18 MB L3 cache and up to 4.40 GHz turbo for mainstream gaming
  • ✓ Intel Laminar RM1 cooler included, no separate cooler purchase
  • ✓ Supports both DDR5 and DDR4 on Intel 600 Series boards
  • ✓ PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support for current GPUs and NVMe drives

Cons

  • ✗ 65W base power limits headroom versus higher-tier 12th Gen chips
  • ✗ Requires LGA-1700 socket, so no drop-in upgrade for older builds
  • ✗ UHD Graphics 730 is display-output class, not for serious gaming
  • ✗ 2.50 GHz base clock trails K-series parts in sustained workloads

Manufacturer description

The Intel Core i5-12400 is a 12th Gen desktop processor built for gamers and productivity users who want current-platform features without paying flagship prices. It runs at a 2.50 GHz base with turbo boost up to 4.40 GHz, and carries 18 MB of L3 cache to keep frequently used data close to the cores for faster, smoother response in games and multitasking workloads. The chip drops into Socket LGA-1700 and works with Intel 600 Series chipset motherboards, so you get your choice of DDR5 or DDR4 memory and both PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 lanes for next-generation graphics cards and NVMe storage…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i5-12400 Desktop Processor 18M Cache using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the processors category. Intel's processors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Intel Core i5 2.50 GHz processor offers hyper-threading architecture that delivers high performance for demanding applications with improved onboard graphics and turbo boost
  • The processor features Socket LGA-1700 socket for installation on the PCB
  • Its 18 MB of L3 cache is good enough to carry routine data and process them in a flash giving you fast and smooth performance
  • Built-in Intel UHD Graphics 730 controller for improved graphics and visual quality. Supports up to 4 monitors.

Full Specifications

BrandIntel
TurboYes
Wattage65 watts
PlatformWindows 10, Windows 11
CPU ModelCore i5
CPU Speed4.4 GHz
CPU Socket1700
Model NumberBX8071512400
Built-In MediaItem
Item Type NameProcessor
Mfr Part NumberBX8071512400
Number of Items1
Number of Packs1
Processor BrandIntel
Processor Count1
Processor Speed4.4 GHz
Secondary Cache18
CPU ManufacturerIntel
Processor SeriesCore i5
Processor Socket1700

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i5-12400 Desktop Processor 18M Cache, up to 4.40 GHz is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $185.33

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

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Intel Core i5-12400 Desktop Processor 18M Cache, up to 4.40 GHz
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