For some time now, we have been able to buy the newest Intel processors from the “K” series in stores, which is intended for regular overclocking. Such systems have unlocked multipliers, but they are also priced the most expensive among all the offers from this manufacturer. To assemble a computer with an Intel Core i7-12700K processor and a motherboard with a Z690 chipset, we have to pay at least PLN 3,000, which is quite an exorbitant amount, especially with the other components – including the graphics card. As the 12th generation of processors with a heterogeneous structure looks very promising in all tests, it is not surprising that there is an increased interest in slightly cheaper systems. The results of the Intel Core i5-12400, Core i3-12300 and Core i3-12100 models have entered the network. How do they do on the technical side?
The cheaper i5 variant with a locked multiplier could be a sales hit
The discussed processor was built in a classic way, throwing inside 6 cores and 12 threads clocked at a frequency of up to 4.1 GHz, increasing to 4.4 GHz in Turbo mode (for one core). The whole is supported by 18 MB of cache memory. Even cheaper i3 series chips have, like their predecessors, 4 cores and 8 threads, which makes them counterparts of the once top Intel Core i7-7700K processors. The clock speed in this case also accelerates to the value of 4.4 GHz. Leaks show that the i5-12400 variant clearly loses to the i5-12600K model, but in games it definitely surpasses its predecessor, the i5-11400. In the latest Far Cry 6, the 11400 model reaches about 111 frames at 1080p resolution, and the 12400 with the same settings shoots up to 130 FPS.
In Counter Strike, the difference is also noticeable, because we have 392 there, up to 345 frames with the same settings in FullHD. Finally, the performance was checked in the newest part of Lara Croft’s adventures – Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Here, too, we see big differences in favor of 12400, amounting to nearly 26 frames. This advantage is enough to seriously consider upgrading your computer. Interestingly, the competitive AMD Ryzen 5 5600X chip was also used for comparison, currently priced at about PLN 1299. Same as the i5-12400, it has 6 cores and 12 threads (but with an unlocked multiplier). In the case of Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Far Cry 6, the results were similar or slightly weaker than Intel’s proposition, but interestingly, in Counter Strike, the Ryzen 5 5600X took a huge lead compared to the i5-12400, and only the much more expensive i5- 12600K could make a close duel with him.
The power consumption of the aforementioned i5 is very favorable, which is about 80W. This is a value that the cheapest motherboards with the H610 chipset can easily handle. Not to mention the even cheaper i3 models. The Americans are preparing an interesting offensive, although we will have to wait for much bigger changes. What is nice is the regular and in this case, quite high increase in IPC performance. This will translate into even better efficiency of these units in the latest titles that will make good use of multi-core. The processors discussed above should make their debut on the market in the very near future. It is said to be the beginning of 2022. If you want to modernize your PC, I suggest you wait for semiconductor deliveries and significant reductions in graphics card prices. Moreover, rising inflation is not conducive to such investments and it cannot be denied that in the coming months we cannot count on any particular improvement in the situation. It is a pity, because this year much more efficient graphics cards and noticeably cheaper DDR5 memory will debut.
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