Not everyone is willing or able to splash the cash on latest-generation hardware. Sure, a Core i9-14900K would be nice, but for the masses, shopping takes place further down the stack.
The best deals are found among previous-generation parts that still pack a punch. A prime example is the Intel Core i5-12400F. A 12th Gen ‘Alder Lake’ part, this tidy little chip touts six cores and 12 threads alongside 65W base power. Maximum power climbs to 117W when the CPU hits a top speed of 4.4GHz.
Intel Core i5-12400F
“Compete with confidence or get immersed in new worlds with a revolutionary processor architecture that focuses on what matters most – gaming.”
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A fine fit for a mainstream gaming build, yet what makes this particular Intel processor stand out from the crowd is today’s limited time Amazon deal. Right now, Core i5-12400F is available in the UK for just £95.99. That’s easily the cheapest we’ve ever seen, and the first time it’s been available for under £100.
Only a limited number are available at the exclusive price with 25% already claimed at the time of writing. There’s good news for folk in other regions, too, as there are price drops across the globe. The same processor has dropped to $132.99 at Amazon US, putting it close to an all-time best, while Amazon Germany has it at a tempting €105.99.
Do be aware this CPU doesn’t feature integrated graphics, as denoted by the F suffix. Pair the Core i5 with a mid-range GPU such as, say, GeForce RTX 3060 and you’re set for high-quality 1080p gameplay. If the budget can stretch to RTX 4070 or RX 7900 GRE, silky smooth 1440p action moves within reach.
It’s also worth noting a perfectly capable stock Laminar RM1 cooler is included in the box. As for motherboard support, a good number of compatible LGA1700 solutions are available, and for this manner of build there’s no need to break the bank. Grab a B660 for under £150 and you’re golden. Heck, if you’re happy with fewer cores and threads, the Core i3-12100F has dropped to a mere £69.99!
Club386 is always on the lookout for unmissable PC component bargains. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay up to date with the latest deals, and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to stay abreast of all the developments in the world of tech.
