Intel Core i5-12600K

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Performance Performance

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Intel Core i5-12600K
The i5-12600K actually undercuts the Ryzen 7 5800X in a big way and basically matches the Ryzen 5 5600X, with higher performance to boot. But platform costs are a problem. Right now, you can only pair these chips with Z690 motherboards, and those are not cheap (start around $170, and the decent ones are easily close to $300). DDR5 memory is at least 50% pricier than DDR4, but Intel covered this problem by ensuring backwards compatibility with DDR4. The Core i5-12600K is all the processor you'll ever need for a contemporary gaming PC build.
- As reviewed by TechPowerUp on Nov 2021
10
Cores
16
Threads
3.7 GHz
Base Clock
4.9 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1700
Socket
125 W
TDP
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Integrated Graphics
$184
Price
Release date:Nov 4, 2021Price at Launch:$289
Cores:10Threads:16
Base Clock:3.7 GHzBoost Clock:4.9 GHz
Performance Cores:6Efficient Cores:4
Efficiency Core Clock:2.8 GHzEfficiency Core Boost Clock:3.6 GHz
Type:DesktopMultithreading:Yes
L2 Cache:9.5 MBL3 Cache:20 MB
Box Cooler:NoTDP:125 W
Socket:Socket LGA 1700Memory Support:DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800
Codename:Alder Lake-SProcess Size:Intel 7 (10nm)
Integrated Graphics:YesiGPU Model:Intel UHD Graphics 770
NPU:NoPCIe Support:PCIe 5.0, 20 Lanes
Intel Core i5-14600K
A newer model is available:
Intel Core i5-14600K

Performance Benchmarks

All benchmark data reflects aggregated results from dozens of tests conducted in TechSpot’s labs and compiled from our full library of CPU reviews. Single-core productivity scores are based primarily on Cinebench and Adobe Photoshop workloads. Multi-core results draw from Cinebench, Blender, Corona Benchmark, 7-Zip, Adobe Premiere Pro, and shader compilation tests. CPU gaming benchmarks are all 1080p runs (explainer) as published on TechSpot.

Single-Core Productivity

Multi-Core Productivity

Gaming Performance

Price History

Intel Core i5-12600K pricing

Last 6 months
Price Date
Current $184 Dec 15, 2025
Highest* $200 Jan 1, 2025
Lowest* $143 Jul 30, 2025
Average $172
* Prices are based on listings from Newegg and other major retailers over the past 12+ months.
TechSpot is supported by its audience. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Learn more here.

Reviews and Ratings

92

Average Score

Based on 7 reviews

9.4

User Score

Based on 2,736 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Stupidly good multi-core performance
  • Really good single-core performance
  • The best CPU for gaming in 2021
  • Faster than the Core i9 11900K
  • Support for DDR5 and PCI-Express 5.0
  • 10 nanometer production process

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • DDR5 option drives up pricing
  • Prices likely to be initially high
  • Still more power-hungry than Ryzen
  • No CPU cooler included
100

Both the Intel Core i9-12900K and Core i5-12600K are among the best processors Intel has released in years, with incredible performance. Intel really has regained its crown, and even though you'll have to invest in new hardware to even install one of these chips, it's worth it for all the technology this new platform supports.

By TechRadar on
90

The Intel Core i9-12900K is the fastest gaming processor on the planet while the Core i5-12600K offers unprecedented gaming performance at its price point. Whip in superior pricing and excellent performance in all other types of workloads, and both Alder Lake processors handily beat competing AMD models.

By Tom's Hardware on
90

Intel Core i5-12600K sets a new standard for budget gaming CPUs and beats both Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 by a wide margin.

By KitGuru on
90

Intel’s 12th-gen Core i5-12600K offers stunning performance over its AMD Ryzen rival—and offers consumers unheard-of value too.

By PCWorld on
94

Perhaps the Core i5 12600KF is my actual pick for the best CPU for gaming today as it's theoretically going to sit as the cheaper of the two. However, if you do decide to pick up either of the two, presumably whichever you can find for cheaper, you wouldn't be putting a foot wrong.

By PCGamer on
90

Numbers always speak for themselves; if you seek a notch more value for money and don't have a use for massive threading then the Core i5 12600K(F) probably will be the processor to get. It's strong and fierce, the single-threaded performance is downright excellent, the multi-threaded performance puts it in Ryzen 7 5800X and 11900K territory.

By The Guru of 3D on
90

The i5-12600K actually undercuts the Ryzen 7 5800X in a big way and basically matches the Ryzen 5 5600X, with higher performance to boot. But platform costs are a problem. Right now, you can only pair these chips with Z690 motherboards, and those are not cheap (start around $170, and the decent ones are easily close to $300). DDR5 memory is at least 50% pricier than DDR4, but Intel covered this problem by ensuring backwards compatibility with DDR4. The Core i5-12600K is all the processor you'll ever need for a contemporary gaming PC build.

By TechPowerUp on

While it’s clear that Alder Lake’s architectural overhaul benefits multitasking more than straight frames per second, it’s ultimately enough for the Core i5-12600K to displace the Ryzen 5 5600X as the best gaming CPU for most people. It’s faster, smarter, and more ready for the PC hardware of the future – and unlike with Rocket Lake, there’s no threat of a drastically better Intel generation launching a few months later.

By Rock, Paper, Shotgun on

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