Intel Core i5-4590 vs Intel Core i5-12400F

The Intel Core i5-4590, based on the Haswell S architecture, was introduced in the second quarter of 2014 and was designed for the mainstream desktop market at the time.

The Intel Core i5-12400F is a significantly newer processor based on the Alder Lake S architecture, introduced in the first quarter of 2022, and targets the current mainstream desktop segment, optimized for modern applications.

The Intel Core i5-4590 is manufactured using the 22 nm process and features 4 cores and 4 threads, 6 MB of Level 3 cache, and no Level 2 cache. It supports PCIe 3.0 and achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel HD Graphics 4600. The Intel Core i5-12400F is manufactured using the more advanced 10 nm process and has 6 cores and 12 threads, 8 MB of Level 2 cache, and 18 MB of Level 3 cache.

This processor supports the newer PCIe 5.0 standard and achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 77 GB/s. In terms of single-core performance, the Intel Core i5-12400F significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-4590, which is due to its more modern architecture and higher clock speeds. In multi-core performance too, the Intel Core i5-12400F shows significantly higher performance thanks to its higher core and thread count as well as architectural improvements.

For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i5-12400F is the clearly superior choice. Its outstanding single-core performance is crucial for frame rates in many games, and the more modern architecture as well as PCIe 5.0 offer better compatibility with current graphics cards. The Intel Core i5-4590 is no longer suitable for modern games.

The Intel Core i5-4590 has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 84 Watts. The Intel Core i5-12400F has a base configuration TDP of 65 Watts but can briefly consume up to 117 Watts under full load. Despite its significantly higher performance, the Intel Core i5-12400F is overall more energy-efficient due to its more advanced manufacturing process and more efficient architecture.

The Intel Core i5-4590 is only available on the used market at very low prices, with its performance barely sufficient for current applications. Its price/performance ratio is low for modern use cases from today's perspective. The Intel Core i5-12400F is available new and offers an excellent price/performance ratio for current desktop systems, as it delivers strong performance at a moderate price.

The Intel Core i5-4590 is now only suitable for operating older systems or for very basic, undemanding tasks. The Intel Core i5-12400F is recommended for all modern use cases, including gaming, content creation, and general productivity, as it offers significantly higher performance, more modern features, and better energy efficiency.