Intel has discreetly added two new desktop processors to its lineup: the Core 5 120 and Core 5 120F. While sporting the fresh “Core 100 series” branding introduced with Meteor Lake, these CPUs are fundamentally updated versions of the familiar Core i5-12400 and i5-12400F launched back in early 2022.
This move signals Intel’s push to fully transition its desktop CPU naming to the new simplified scheme, even for slightly refreshed older architectures.
What’s Actually New? Very Little
According to Intel’s official specifications listed in their Ark database:
- Same Core Design: Both chips retain the Alder Lake architecture with 6 Performance cores (no Efficient cores) and 12 threads. Cache sizes (7.5MB L2 / 18MB L3) are identical to the i5-12400/F.
- Slightly Higher Boost: The turbo boost frequency sees a minor bump to 4.5 GHz, up from 4.4 GHz on the 12400/F.
- Lower Peak Power: Maximum Turbo Power (MTP) is reduced to 110W, down from 117W on the originals. Base Power (PBP) remains 65W.
- Updated Branding: The key change is the naming itself, aligning with Intel’s current Core 3/5/7/9 structure.
The Core 5 120 includes Intel UHD Graphics 730, now boosting slightly higher (1.50 GHz vs. 1.45 GHz). The Core 5 120F, like the 12400F, has no integrated graphics.
120 pic.twitter.com/oI28nizeCX
— 188号 (@momomo_us) July 31, 2025
Despite being listed under the “Raptor Lake” family in Intel’s database, the underlying architecture remains Alder Lake.
Compatibility & Positioning
- Socket: Both CPUs use the LGA1700 socket, compatible with existing 600-series (12th Gen), 700-series (13th/14th Gen), and the newer 800-series motherboards.
- Target Market: These appear positioned as entry-level options within the new Core 100 series branding, offering familiar i5-12400-level performance under the modern naming convention. Likely targets system integrators and retail channels clearing older motherboard stock.
- Price Unknown: Intel has not announced pricing. The original i5-12400 launched around $194.
Core 5 120 / 120F vs. Core i5-12400 / 12400F: Key Specs
| Feature | Core 5 120 | Core 5 120F | Core i5-12400 | Core i5-12400F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores/Threads | 6P / 12 | 6P / 12 | 6P / 12 | 6P / 12 |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.5 GHz | 2.5 GHz | 2.5 GHz |
| Max Turbo | 4.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Integrated GPU | UHD 730 | None | UHD 730 | None |
| GPU Boost | 1.50 GHz | N/A | 1.45 GHz | N/A |
| Max Turbo Power (MTP) | 110W | 110W | 117W | 117W |
| Architecture | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake | Alder Lake |
| Launch | Q3 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q1 2022 | Q1 2022 |
The Bottom Line
The Intel Core 5 120 and 120F are less about groundbreaking new technology and more about branding consolidation. They offer the well-established performance of the i5-12400 series with negligible clock speed and power efficiency tweaks, now packaged under Intel’s latest naming scheme.
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- Intel Arrow Lake Refresh – Only Minor Clock Boosts, No NPU Upgrade
For consumers, it means another entry-level/mid-range option exists within the new Core naming structure, compatible with a wide range of existing LGA1700 motherboards. Performance expectations should align squarely with the popular i5-12400.
Source: hardwareand