Intel Core i5-12600K
intel
Brand10
Cores16
Threads125 W
TDP10 nm
Process Size3.7 GH/z
Base Clock4.9 GH/z
Boost ClockDDR4, DDR5
Memory Supportintel socket 1700
SocketIntel Core i5-12600K
Techinical Specs
Processor Details
Name
Intel Core i5-12600K
Brand
intel
Process Type
desktop
Release Date
Nov 3rd 2021
Launch Price
289 $
Specifications
Socket
intel socket 1700
Foundry
Intel
Process Size
10 nm
Die Size
215 mm 2
Package
FC-LGA16A
Performance
Frequency
3.7 GH/z
Boost Clock
4.9 GH/z
Multiplier
37.0 x
Multiplier Unlocked
YES
TDP
125 W
Core Configuration
Total Cores
10
Total Threads
16
Hybrid Cores
P-Cores: 6, E-Cores: 4
Integrated GPU
UHD Graphics 770
Cache
L1: 80 KB
L2: 1.25 MB
L3: 20.00 MB
Architecture
Codename
Alder Lake-S
Generation
Core i5 (Alder Lake-S)
Memory Support
DDR4, DDR5
ECC Memory Support
YES
PCI Express
Gen 4, 20 Lanes(CPU only)
Supported Chipsets
Z690. H670, B660, H610
Features
- • MMX
- • SSE
- • SSE2
- • SSE3
- • SSSE3
- • SSE4.2
- • AVX
- • AVX2
- • FMA3
- • SHA
- • EIST
- • Intel 64
- • XD bit
- • VT-x
- • VT-d
- • AES-NI
- • TSX
- • TXT
- • CLMUL
- • F16C
- • BMI1
- • BMI2
- • ABM
- • ADX
- • RdRand
- • TBT 2.0
Most Compared CPUs
Based on actual user comparison data
Intel Core i5-14400F
2024
2.5 GHz
10/16
65W
196$
AMD Ryzen 7 5800
2021
3.4 GHz
8/16
65W
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Intel Core i7-12700
2025
2.1 GHz
12/20
65W
349$
Intel Core i7-12700K
2021
3.6 GHz
12/20
125W
409$
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
2022
4.5 GHz
8/16
105W
399$
Performance in Benchmarks
Cinebench R23
PassMark
Geekbench 5
Blender
Performance in Games
Europa Universalis V
The Outer Worlds 2
Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
Jurassic World Evolution 3
No more benchmarks available for this CPU
Performance Review Summary
Generating AI Review...
Intel Core i5-12600K
Processor
$289
PCBench Rating in 2025
Based on comprehensive benchmarks and real-world performance data analyzed by our custom AI algorithm.
AI Summary
The Intel Core i5-12600K offers a strong balance of performance and price making it an excellent option for gaming, productivity, and content creation. Its 10-core (6P+4E) hybrid design with 16 threads delivers impressive multi-threaded and single-threaded performance, reflected in robust Cinebench and Passmark benchmarks. With a $289 price point, it competes well against higher-tier models like the Intel Core i7-12700K, offering high-end gaming FPS in titles such as Baldur's Gate 3 and DOOM Eternal. Its 10nm Alder Lake architecture ensures good power efficiency, with a moderate 125W TDP, and it supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. Limitations include less core count versus enthusiast chips and premium price compared to budget CPUs, but it remains one of the best mid-range desktop CPUs in 2025.
Pros
- Excellent multi-threaded performance with 10 cores and 16 threads suitable for demanding productivity tasks
- Strong gaming performance, capable of high FPS at 1080p in modern AAA titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and DOOM Eternal
- Competitive price/performance ratio at $289, positioned well against premium models like the Intel Core i7-12700K
- Supports modern tech standards including DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, future-proofing the system
Cons
- Base clock listed unusually high (100 GHz) which seems to be an input error, but effective base reliant on power and thermals
- Lower core count compared to flagship CPUs limits absolute multi-thread throughput for extreme workloads
- 125W TDP, while moderate, demands adequate cooling solutions for sustained high loads
- No integrated graphics alternatives like the KF variant reduce versatility if discrete GPU is not used
Most Compared CPUs
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