AMD Ryzen 5 12100 vs Ryzen 5 12400: Which is Better for Gaming?
The AMD Ryzen 5 series has been a popular choice among gamers and PC enthusiasts, offering a great balance of performance and affordability. In this article, we'll compare the Ryzen 5 12100 and Ryzen 5 12400, two of the latest additions to the series, to see which one is better suited for gaming.
Specifications Comparison
Ryzen 5 12100
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Base Clock: 3.8 GHz
- Boost Clock: up to 4.5 GHz
- Cache: 32MB
- TDP: 65W
Ryzen 5 12400
- Cores: 6
- Threads: 12
- Base Clock: 4.0 GHz
- Boost Clock: up to 4.9 GHz
- Cache: 32MB
- TDP: 65W
Gaming Performance
Both the Ryzen 5 12100 and Ryzen 5 12400 are capable of delivering smooth gaming performance, but the 12400 has a slight edge in terms of clock speeds. The higher base clock and boost clock of the 12400 result in a noticeable improvement in gaming performance, especially in games that heavily rely on single-threaded performance.
Benchmarks:
- 1080p Gaming: The Ryzen 5 12400 outperforms the 12100 by around 5-7 FPS in popular titles like Fortnite and Overwatch.
- 1440p Gaming: The gap narrows, with the 12400 leading the 12100 by around 2-4 FPS in games like The Witcher 3 and Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
Power Consumption and Overclocking
Both processors have the same TDP of 65W, but the 12400 tends to draw more power when overclocked. However, the 12400 also offers more headroom for overclocking, allowing users to push the processor to higher clock speeds and achieve even better gaming performance.
Conclusion
The Ryzen 5 12400 is the clear winner in terms of gaming performance, thanks to its higher clock speeds and improved single-threaded performance. However, the 12100 is still a great option for those on a budget, offering solid gaming performance at a lower price point.
Recommendation:
- If you're looking for the best gaming performance and don't mind paying a premium, choose the Ryzen 5 12400.
- If you're on a budget and still want a great gaming experience, consider the Ryzen 5 12100.
Final Verdict: The Ryzen 5 12400 is the better choice for gaming, but the 12100 is still a great option for those on a budget.