Quick answer
The Core i5-12400F is the faster gaming CPU: its FPS ceiling is about 6% higher than the Ryzen 5 5600’s (score 55 vs 52). They use different platforms (AM4 vs LGA 1700), so the motherboard and memory differ too. With a mid-range graphics card at 1440p or 4K, the gap mostly disappears because the card sets the frame rate.
A side-by-side look at the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 and the Intel Core i5-12400F using each maker’s specs and ComputingSkill’s gaming scores, the same numbers our calculators and tier list use. Prices change too often to compare here.
Specs Side by Side
| Ryzen 5 5600 | Core i5-12400F | |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Zen 3 (5000 Series) | 12th Gen (Alder Lake) |
| Cores / threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Base / boost clock | 3.5 / 4.4 GHz | 2.5 / 4.4 GHz |
| TDP / max power | 65W / 88W | 65W / 117W |
| Socket | AM4 | LGA 1700 |
| Memory | DDR4 only | DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board (never both) |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Gaming score (tier) | 52 (D) | 55 (C) |
Specs: Ryzen 5 5600 official page and Core i5-12400F official page. Scores are ComputingSkill’s gaming index, positioned from publicly reported review averages, not our own benchmarks (methodology).
Gaming Performance
The FPS ceiling is the frame rate each CPU can prepare when the graphics card isn’t the limit (FPS Calculator formula).
| Game type | Ryzen 5 5600 | Core i5-12400F | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical AAA game | 111 | 117 | Core i5-12400F +5% |
| Esports titles | 309 | 327 | Core i5-12400F +6% |
| CPU-heavy games | 77 | 82 | Core i5-12400F +6% |
Which Graphics Card Each One Can Drive
The fastest card in our list each CPU runs without a noticeable CPU bottleneck (under 15%, typical AAA game at high settings).
| Resolution | Ryzen 5 5600 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | RX 6800 |
| 1440p | RX 7900 XT | RTX 4080 |
| 4K | RTX 5090 | RTX 5090 |
| Graphics card | Ryzen 5 5600 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 4060 | GPU-limited / GPU-limited | GPU-limited / GPU-limited |
| RX 9060 XT 16GB | CPU ~6% / GPU-limited | Balanced / GPU-limited |
| RTX 5070 | CPU ~32% / Balanced | CPU ~28% / Balanced |
| RX 9070 XT | CPU ~43% / CPU ~17% | CPU ~40% / CPU ~12% |
| RTX 5080 | CPU ~50% / CPU ~26% | CPU ~47% / CPU ~22% |
Platform, Power and Upgrades
- Ryzen 5 5600: AM4, DDR4 only, up to about 88W. Upgrade path on the same board: up to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
- Core i5-12400F: LGA 1700, DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board (never both), up to about 117W. Upgrade path on the same board: up to the Core i9-14900K.
Which Should You Buy?
- For high-refresh gaming, esports or a fast graphics card, the Core i5-12400F is about 6% quicker.
- With a mid-range card at 1440p or 4K the Ryzen 5 5600 gives up little, so it makes sense when it costs clearly less.
- Count the motherboard and RAM in the price: a new socket can mean a new board and, for DDR5-only platforms, new memory.
More comparisons: Ryzen 5 5600 vs Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 5 3600 vs Ryzen 5 5600, Core i3-12100F vs Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 5600 vs Ryzen 7 5700X3D and Core i5-12400F vs Core i5-13400F. Every processor ranked: CPU tier list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryzen 5 5600 better than the Core i5-12400F for gaming?
No. The Core i5-12400F is the faster gaming CPU, with an FPS ceiling about 6% higher (score 55 vs 52).
Do the Ryzen 5 5600 and Core i5-12400F use the same motherboard?
No. The Ryzen 5 5600 is AM4 and the Core i5-12400F is LGA 1700.
Which uses less power, the Ryzen 5 5600 or the Core i5-12400F?
The Ryzen 5 5600 (up to about 88W vs 117W).