The video compares the Intel Core i5-12400F and AMD Ryzen 5 7500F for budget gaming, finding that while the Ryzen offers about 20% better performance and a stronger upgrade path, its higher platform cost due to DDR5 memory makes it less budget-friendly compared to the more affordable Intel build with DDR4. Ultimately, the Ryzen is recommended for gamers prioritizing performance, whereas the Intel remains a solid, cost-effective choice for those on tighter budgets.
The video compares two popular budget gaming CPUs: the Intel Core i5-12400F and the AMD Ryzen 5 7500F. Despite being released nearly four years ago, the 12400F remains relevant due to its discounted price, currently around $135 USD, making it cheaper than the Ryzen 5 7500F, which costs about $165 USD. However, locally in Australia, the Ryzen 5 7500F is priced closer to the 12400F, possibly making it the better deal for Australian buyers. The video also includes a brief sponsor segment highlighting the Gigabyte MO27 Q28G OLED gaming monitor, praised for its brightness, HDR performance, and high refresh rate.
Performance testing was conducted using high-end components to minimize GPU bottlenecks, focusing on low-resolution benchmarks across various games at medium and ultra settings. Across most titles, the Ryzen 5 7500F consistently outperformed the Intel 12400F by an average of around 20%, with particularly large gains in esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Rainbow Six Siege, as well as demanding games such as Mafia: The Old Country and ACC. The 12400F held its own in GPU-limited games, where performance differences were minimal, but overall, the Ryzen chip delivered a noticeably better gaming experience.
The video highlights the technical specs of both CPUs, noting the 12400F’s 6 cores and 12 threads with an 18MB L3 cache and 4.4 GHz boost clock. Despite similarities, the Ryzen 5 7500F offers better gaming performance and slightly lower power consumption. Memory type also plays a role; both CPUs were tested with DDR5 6000 CL30 memory, but the 12400F’s performance would likely decrease further with DDR4 memory, which remains a more affordable option for many users.
When considering the total platform cost, including motherboard and memory, the Intel build with DDR4 is significantly cheaper than the AMD AM5 platform requiring DDR5 memory. The 12400F combo can be built for around $370 USD, while the Ryzen 5 7500F platform costs about $470 USD due to higher DDR5 prices. This 27% premium for AMD is a major factor, especially since DDR5 prices remain high. The video suggests that the Ryzen 5 7500F’s performance advantage might justify the extra cost for gamers seeking higher frame rates and future upgrade paths.
In conclusion, the video advises that while the Ryzen 5 7500F delivers better gaming performance and has a more robust upgrade path, the Intel Core i5-12400F remains a viable budget option, especially when paired with cheaper DDR4 memory. However, the current high cost of DDR5 memory inflates the overall price of AMD builds, making it a less attractive choice for budget-conscious gamers. The presenter encourages viewers to consider their specific needs and budgets, and hints at future testing comparing DDR4 and DDR5 performance on the 12400F to provide more clarity.