H2H

Intel Core 7 160HL vs Intel Core i5-12400

Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks

Aggregate performance score

We've compared Core 7 160HL and Core i5-12400 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Core 7 160HL outperforms Core i5-12400 by 24% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+24%

Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.
QUICK COMPARISON ANALYSIS

Intel Core 7 160HL vs Intel Core i5-12400: key takeaway

The comparison of Core 7 160HL and Core i5-12400 shows a 23% advantage for Core 7 160HL in gaming performance, while Core i5-12400 may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.

SUMMARY PROFILE

Verified-metrics radar

Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.

H2H
Performance
Single-core
Multi-core
L3 cache
Efficiency
Performance
1613
Single-core
8773
Multi-core
4522
L3 cache
00
Efficiency
1714
Missing values are never replaced with zero or an average.Model: H2H 2026.07 fixed scale.
COMPARISON RESULT

Core 7 160HL is the best overall choice

Core 7 160HL leads in overall performance, while Core 7 160HL offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.

PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE23%

Core 7 160HL leads in the combined performance index

PRICE DIFFERENCE$221

Core i5-12400 costs less

OVERALL SCORE

Overview

Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.

The Summary score section compares Core 7 160HL and Core i5-12400 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

CategoryCore 7 160HLCore i5-12400
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
16Better
13
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
18Better
16
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
16Better
13
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
17Better
14
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
16Better
13
FULL COMPARISON

Specifications

The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.

The Specifications section compares Core 7 160HL and Core i5-12400 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationCore 7 160HLCore i5-12400
Base clock2500 MHz2500 MHz
Device classDesktopDesktop
PassMark24198Better19448
PBP / MTP45 / 115 W65 / 117 WBetter
Cores / Threads6P+8E / 206P / 12
Clock speedP 2,5 - 5,2 GHz / E 1,8 - 4 GHzP 2,5 - 4,4 GHz
Boost clock5200 MHzBetter4400 MHz
L1 cache80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-core80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-core
L2 cache2 MB per P-core, 4 MB per E-core clusterBetter1.25 MB per P-core, 2 MB per E-core cluster
L3 cache24 MBBetter18 MB
SocketLGA1700LGA1700
ArchitectureRaptor Lake PSAlder Lake
Release date2021
Integrated graphicsIris Xe 96 1,5 GHzUHD 730 1,45 GHzBetter
Power consumption45 / 115 WBetter65 / 117 W
Process node10 nm (Intel 7)10 nm (Intel 7)
Memory supportDDR5-5200 / DDR4-3200DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H workload indices

Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.

The Benchmarks section compares Core 7 160HL and Core i5-12400 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexCore 7 160HLCore i5-12400Difference
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 100877318%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 100452269%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 100513440%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100361867%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H AI workload indices

Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.

The Detailed comparison section compares Core 7 160HL and Core i5-12400 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexCore 7 160HLCore i5-12400Difference
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 10011920%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 100131026%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 1009812%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 100131026%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 100121018%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD

Explain this comparison

Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.

Device ACore 7 160HL16
Device BCore i5-1240013
What AI will explain

Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.

REAL CONFIGURATIONS

Owner experiences

Real builds, results, and community feedback.

Moderator reviewedHelpful to the community🏅Expert badges
FAQ · CHOOSE BY USE CASE

Frequently asked comparison questions

Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.

01Which is better for gaming: Core 7 160HL or Core i5-12400?

Core 7 160HL has the higher overall gaming score, while Core 7 160HL offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.

02Which is better for streaming?

Core 7 160HL is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.

03Which is better for Blender?

Core 7 160HL is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.

04Which is better for video editing?

Core 7 160HL offers more overall performance, while Core 7 160HL offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.

05Which is better for neural networks and AI?

Core 7 160HL is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.

06Which is better for 1080p?

Core 7 160HL is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.

07Which is better for 1440p?

Core 7 160HL leads in combined 1440p performance. Core 7 160HL can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.

08Which is better for 4K?

Core 7 160HL is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.

09Which is better for a quiet PC?

Core 7 160HL is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.

10Which is better without replacing the power supply?

Core 7 160HL is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.

11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?

Consider upgrading to Core 7 160HL if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.