Intel Core i5-12450HX

The Intel Core i5-12450HX is a mobile processor from the Alder Lake-HX family, featuring 8 cores and 12 threads with a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz. Built on Intel's 10 nm process, it packs 12 MB of shared L3 cache and supports DDR4/DDR5 memory. With a 55W TDP, it targets high-performance laptops. Its average benchmark score of 24,842 places it in the 82nd percentile of all CPUs, indicating strong overall performance. The chip launched in May 2022 with a launch MSRP of $284.

Benchmark Performance

The i5-12450HX delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 15,527 and a single-core score of 2,192. These figures place it comfortably above the majority of mobile processors, as evidenced by its 82nd percentile ranking. In Cinebench R20, the chip scores 6,521 multi-core and 920 single-core, while the older R15 test yields 1,565 and 220 respectively. The consistency across these versions indicates a well-balanced architecture that scales effectively with thread count. The multi-core results are several times the single-core numbers, reflecting the parallel capacity of the 8-core/12-thread design. This is a processor that can handle heavily threaded workloads without sacrificing responsiveness in lightly threaded tasks.

Passmark results reinforce this picture. The multithread score of 18,274 and single-thread score of 3,340 show a strong balance between parallel and single-threaded workloads. Integer math scores 57,189, while floating point math reaches 43,126, suggesting robust computational throughput. Data compression and encryption scores of 219,707 and 12,110 respectively highlight efficiency in storage and security tasks. Extended instructions score 13,832, and random string sorting hits 23,306. The physics score of 1,086 and prime number finding at 54 round out the suite. These numbers indicate a well-rounded processor that excels in both integer and floating point operations, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from scientific simulations to database work.

When compared to its nearest rivals, the i5-12450HX holds its ground. Its average benchmark score of 24,842 is 0.1% higher than the AMD Ryzen AI Max 385's 24,811, and 0.2% lower than the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX's 24,897. Against the Intel Core i7-11850H, the i5 trails by 0.5% (24,974 vs 24,842), and it is 0.6% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 7500F (24,993). These sub-percent margins mean the i5-12450HX performs essentially on par with a broad set of contemporary and previous-generation processors. The differences are so small that they fall within typical run-to-run variance in benchmarking, making the i5-12450HX a statistically equivalent performer to all four rivals in aggregate.

How It Compares

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 posts an average score of 24,811, which the i5-12450HX edges by a hair-thin 0.1%. This statistical tie means users will not notice a difference in real-world applications; both chips are equally capable in aggregate. The Ryzen AI Max 385 is a newer part, yet the i5-12450HX matches it, demonstrating the longevity of the Alder Lake architecture.

The AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX averages 24,897, a 0.2% lead over the i5-12450HX. This is again a negligible gap, placing the two in the same performance tier. The Ryzen 9's slightly higher score is within run-to-run variance, and in practice, the i5-12450HX will feel identical in everyday use. The 6900HX is a well-regarded high-end mobile chip, and the i5-12450HX sits right beside it.

The Intel Core i7-11850H, a previous-generation part, reaches 24,974, outperforming the i5-12450HX by 0.5%. While the i7 holds a small edge, the i5's newer architecture and higher boost clock narrow the gap to a near-draw. The i7-11850H was a flagship in its time, and the i5-12450HX, despite being a lower-tier product in its generation, matches it within half a percent.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7500F leads the group with 24,993, just 0.6% ahead of the i5-12450HX. Again, the difference is trivial, and the i5-12450HX remains a competitive option in this segment. The Ryzen 5 7500F is a desktop part, yet the mobile i5-12450HX nearly equals it, underscoring the efficiency of the 10 nm Alder Lake design.

Power and Thermals

The i5-12450HX carries a 55W TDP, which places it in the upper mid-range of mobile processors. This thermal envelope demands a capable cooling solution—typically a dual-fan design with heat pipes—to sustain the 4.40 GHz boost clock under sustained loads. The chip's 10 nm process helps manage power efficiency, but the 55W rating indicates it is not an ultra-low-power part. Laptops equipped with this CPU will likely be thicker and heavier, prioritizing performance over portability. Users should expect audible fan noise under load and consider a cooling pad for extended sessions. The 55W TDP also suggests that the chip can maintain high clock speeds for longer periods than lower-TDP parts, making it suitable for prolonged rendering or compilation tasks.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-12450HX uses the Intel BGA 1964 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable package. This means the CPU is permanently attached to the motherboard, so future upgrades are impossible. It supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory, offering flexibility for system builders. PCIe Gen 5 is supported with 20 CPU lanes, enabling high-bandwidth connections for discrete GPUs and NVMe SSDs. The integrated UHD Graphics 710 provides basic display output, but it is not designed for gaming. The chip has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking on compatible platforms. With a production status of "Active," it remains available for new designs. The memory flexibility is a notable advantage, as users can choose between the cost-effective DDR4 or the faster DDR5, depending on platform support.

Who Should Consider It

The i5-12450HX is best suited for users who need strong multi-threaded performance in a mobile form factor. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 15,527 and Passmark multithread score of 18,274 make it an excellent choice for content creation tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation. The single-core performance, with a Cinebench R23 score of 2,192 and Passmark single-thread of 3,340, ensures snappy responsiveness for everyday applications and office work. Gamers will find the CPU capable of feeding high-end discrete GPUs, though the integrated graphics are not meant for gaming. For professionals who require a portable workstation, the i5-12450HX delivers near-desktop-level performance in a 55W envelope. Its 82nd percentile standing means it outperforms the vast majority of CPUs on the market. However, those seeking the absolute highest performance in this class might look to the rival chips, which are only fractions of a percent faster. For most users, the i5-12450HX offers a compelling blend of multi-core muscle and single-core agility, making it a versatile choice for a high-performance laptop.