Can this CPU model handle the workload? 12400 vs 12100 performance details.
Can this CPU model handle the workload? 12400 vs 12100 performance details.
Hello. I’m considering purchasing a Dell Inspiron 3910 (perhaps?) with the 12400 model. Here’s the link: https://www.dell.com/en-ca/shop/dell-des...UsFUOqCiJw
The 12400’s base clock runs slower than the 12100, and its core count is higher. Still, two benchmark sites say it outperforms the 12100. It should work well for 3D animation and video editing, though I’m not sure about gaming. Could a smaller power supply or poor cooling hurt performance? That might mean extra fans or costs. Blender’s benchmark scores are available here: https://opendata.blender.org/benchmarks/...sion=3.3.0 and for the 12400: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu...00&id=4677. Also, how does this compare to a used PC built for around $750 with free shipping? Let me know if you need more details! Thanks!
They share the same fundamental performance boost, but the 12400 offers more processing units. Its better IPC means it remains quicker than the 3770 even with a slower clock speed.
Hello, the 12400 is definitely a better choice for tasks like blender compared to the 12100. Most professional software such as Blender, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc., depends more on core performance than raw speed. Therefore, having 6 cores is significantly better than 4. I also own an i5 12400 with an Xeon E214i cooler. It already maintains a max temperature of around 85°C during a 15-minute benchmark and stays between 46-50°C when idle. During gaming it drops to about 79°C, averaging around 58-60°C for games like GTA V or 70°C for Cyberpunk. If you pair it with a stock cooler, your friend who has an i5 12400F with a stock cooler can easily run at 85°C while playing Genshin Impact. I also suggest getting at least 16GB of RAM. When reshaping in Blender, it required nearly 11GB just for a single character. The power supply seems average, likely insufficient for smooth animation unless you're only animating simple objects like bouncing balls or bones. The GPU will probably struggle with Genshin Impact unless you upgrade. Overall, if possible, look for a custom build from a shopkeeper—it would offer much better value. Or a gaming laptop with an i5 12400 and a 3050 should suffice. If you're focused only on modeling, you might have landed a job before needing such high-end specs.
You're looking at a few options for your build. A prebuilt Dell with a better CPU could be worth considering if it's $750 with free shipping. It might also help to check if the case fits your motherboard's I/O requirements. If you need more RAM, your current 12GB might not be enough, so upgrading could be beneficial.
If building a PC isn't an option, consider a laptop. Saving a few dollars can give you a solid machine for creative work or everyday tasks. My friend uses a Lenovo Legion i5 10th gen with GTX 1660, which performs much better than a basic 256GB NVMe system. He's also one of the most intelligent students in class. While PCs offer better performance, a gaming laptop with another monitor might be a compromise if shipping costs are high or local PC parts are scarce. Edit: If you're really focused on Blender, I recommend a laptop with at least 16GB RAM, a minimum of six cores (10th gen), an SSD with SATA or NVMe, and a dedicated graphics card like GTX 1660. A laptop or PC would be ideal for your needs. I'm not sure about lower specs, but it could improve your situation. Your life will be better with 16GB RAM and more."
I was thinking about a refurbished 3050 laptop, but then I realized the GPU wasn’t as good as I expected (even though it’s a newer model, it’s still on the lower end). It’s not terrible, but I don’t want to spend a lot of money on portability when I don’t need it, and I don’t want to be locked into something that can’t be upgraded later. I’ll keep looking for better deals. If nothing cheaper comes up, I might go back to my original idea. Still, it’s a bit of a hassle figuring all this out. I managed to learn how to check if a motherboard fits a case, though. EDIT: Still unsure if 12th gen prebuilt units can handle a 13th gen CPU, and the CPU option is part of my original build strategy.
In my research, both prebuilt PCs I suggest seem inferior to a 3050 gaming laptop. The power supply isn’t sufficient for upgrading with a dedicated GPU, and the stock cooler could damage your CPU before it works properly. I’m not even considering the motherboard just yet. If you’re focusing on Blender, the 3050 and 3060 won’t make much difference—they’ll just slow down rendering. You’ll still need a lot of RAM to handle large files like the 1.8 million vertex files. Here’s a setup you might want: an Intel i5-12400, 8GB RAM, Fury 2400 MHz processor, Gigabyte DS3H B660 motherboard (or a better MSI Pro if possible), an Xeon E212 8th Gen cooler, and a Corsair CXM 650W PSU. You can choose a different PSU based on your budget and the PSU tier list. Pick a GPU for later, but make sure it can support your future needs.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, that chip can't support DDR5 yet, but I might consider getting one later. The price is higher, but it could work with newer systems in the future. For laptops, I’d prefer a more affordable, slower machine that can be upgraded later. I don’t have the funds for everything at once, so I’ll purchase only what’s essential now and upgrade when possible.
For better upgrade potential, invest in a reliable 750W power supply. You might skip the premium cooler if you focus on getting the highest performance CPU available today and choose a cooler that fits your processor. https://www.pcgamer.com/gigabytes-600-se...lake-cpus/ It seems Gigabyte B660 can work with 13th gen CPUs, though performance may be restricted. For an i7 12th generation, consider upgrading to an MSI B660 Pro or a newer CPU with a compatible motherboard. The Gigabyte B660 DS3H is best suited for i5 12th gen models. Ryzen processors are also viable options. Remember, a solid PSU, cooler, and motherboard are essential for successful upgrades. Plan your expansion wisely to avoid overspending.
For beginners with Blender, an i5 12th generation works fine. I started with an i5 10th generation for basic room modeling and animation; bonework is manageable. IGPU handles it well, so a decent CPU should suffice. 16 GB RAM or more would be ideal, but an 8 GB stick with a solid PSU, cooler, and enough memory will do. You can upgrade to a dedicated GPU later. If you choose a Ryzen, make sure it's the G-series like 5600G—it supports Intel IGPU. Avoid the F version since it lacks IGPU support and you'll need a dedicated GPU then.