Intel Core i7-6700 vs Intel Core i5-12400

The Intel Core i7-6700, introduced in the third quarter of 2015 based on the 14 nm Skylake S architecture, was intended for the mainstream desktop market.

It features 4 cores and 8 threads, Intel HD Graphics 530, and uses PCIe 3.0. The maximum memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s, with 8 MB of Level 3 cache and no Level 2 cache. Its thermal design power (TDP) is 65 watts. The Intel Core i5-12400, released in the first quarter of 2022 as an Alder Lake S processor in 10 nm (Intel 7), targets gamers and users with high performance requirements.

It offers 6 cores and 12 threads, Intel UHD Graphics 730, and supports PCIe 5.0. The memory bandwidth is significantly higher at 77 GB/s, complemented by 8 MB of Level 2 and 18 MB of Level 3 cache. Its thermal design power (TDP) is also 65 watts. In a performance comparison, the Intel Core i5-12400 surpasses the Intel Core i7-6700 in single-core and multi-core applications by well over 10 percent.

Especially in gaming, the Intel Core i5-12400 is clearly superior thanks to its modern architecture and higher per-clock performance. Both have a base TDP of 65 watts, but the Intel Core i5-12400 offers significantly better performance per watt. The price-performance ratio of the Intel Core i5-12400 is outstanding for a new platform, while the Intel Core i7-6700 is only an option as a budget choice for very basic tasks on the used market.