Intel Core i5 12400 2.5GHz 6-Core Alder Lake Desktop Processor w/ Cooler Expired

You're absolutely right that although this CPU isn't necessarily a top choice for overclockers, it is still an option with this CPU with the right motherboard. This is fundamentally true for all Alder Lake CPUs, which is exactly why I wanted to mention the value of the Z690 chipset. Contrast this with earlier Intel platforms where such CPU performance optimization features were only meaningful with specific unlocked (K-series) CPUs.

However, your statement about stock speed might fail to highlight for some readers the way modern Intel CPUs switch between their base clock speed (2.5GHz for this CPU) and their boost clock speed (4.4GHz single core; 4.0 GHz all cores): the only limiting factor for how long and how fast an Intel CPU can boost are CPU thermals. A better cooler ensures that more cores stay at a boosted speed when required/tasked. Additionally, better cooling also allows that boost to keep the speeds at the highest possible frequency. (Assuming the motherboard also remains cool and stable to supply the CPU power)

Pretty sure that came from an early video here [youtube.com] that did indeed show the good news that may not be obvious to some readers on this thread: even with "only" the stock cooler the CPU didn't hit its upper temperature limit during testing (which would have lead to thermal throttling, where the CPU is slowed to allow cooling). This resulted in the CPU remaining boosted above the base clock during the entirety of the testing runs. However, consider that this CPU might perform differently in a closed system (the case in that test was open) and with a computer with a GPU installed. The channel owner noted the configuration in the comments as follows:

This isn't a big deal for a large number of users, but it does highlight the distinction between the configuration in the video above and the kind of PC many users might actually build around this CPU.

I think your last point might be the most important regarding cost-effectiveness, since a premium cooler with compatible mounting hardware might add some cost. Given the reasonable performance with the stock cooler, that added cost might reduce the price performance of such an upgrade for now. Hopefully in the future that premium would diminish.


Good luck!
Jon

I'm still running my i7-3770.​ Heck of a value! Think I'm on my 3rd GPU paired with it now.

It's really time to move on, but ... OMG, is it taking forever for more "mid-price" boards for Alder Lake to show up (obviously someone content to run Ivy Bridge for nearly a decade isn't gonna pay top $ for a MB). Starting to look like I may be waiting til summer too

Same here. I've finally decided to pull the trigger on an upgrade. Almost a decade on one chip!
The 12400 looks sexy, but I'm optiong for the 12600 for the extra ecores, and hoping the extra $100 will lead to another year or two before I have to upgrade. GPU prices are expected to fall dramatically in the next two months, too.

Looking to build a new pc (would be my first build) to replace a 6ish year old Dell Inspiron 3847 with a 4th generation I-5. This would be a work pc (not a gamer). My current pc still does the job fine I just want something newer that'll do 4k@60hz. It seem like this I5-12400 processor and the AsusB660-Plus motherboard mentioned here would be a great combo for me.

As an added bonus it looks like the ASUS B660-Plus motherboard also has a 2.5g ethernet connection which will help with my 1gb+ internet connection going forward. Like I mentioned I've never build a pc before so I'm thinking 16gb of ram (currently have 8gb) and a decent SSD. Does anyone have any recommendations for the ram and a SSD along with a case? What else am I missing for the build?

I have access to a Microcenter but am willing to buy components elsewhere if cost effective.

Thanks,

-Guru