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Core i5-12600K vs Core i7-12700K: Which is Better?

Nov 2021 Alder Lake vs Nov 2021 Alder Lake

The verdict

Core i7-12700K wins

Core i7-12700K comes out ahead of Core i5-12600K on productivity, while the rest of the picture is more nuanced. Core i7-12700K is 22.4% faster than Core i5-12600K in multi-core productivity workloads. Performance-per-dollar is comparable. For most builders, Core i7-12700K is the more compelling pick across both gaming and productivity workloads.

Dimension-by-dimension

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Specifications

Spec Core i5-12600K Core i7-12700K
Cores 10 12
Threads 16 20
Boost clock 4.9 GHz 5.0 GHz
Base clock 3.7 GHz 3.6 GHz
TDP 125 W 125 W
L2 cache 9.5 MB 12 MB
L3 cache 20 MB 25 MB
MSRP $289 $409
Process node Intel 7 Intel 7
Socket LGA1700 LGA1700
Memory DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Launched Nov 2021 Nov 2021

Benchmarks

BenchmarkCore i5-12600KCore i7-12700K
  • Multi-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 nT
    −31.5%
    Core i5-12600K
    919
    Core i7-12700K
    1,342
  • Single-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 1T
    −3.5%
    Core i5-12600K
    109
    Core i7-12700K
    113
  • Multi-coreGeekbench 6
    −17.9%
    Core i5-12600K
    12,318
    Core i7-12700K
    15,012
  • Single-coreGeekbench 6
    −7.2%
    Core i5-12600K
    2,412
    Core i7-12700K
    2,598

Bars are normalized to the highest score in our catalog for each metric. Hover any row for the source attribution.

Price analysis

Core i5-12600K MSRP
$289
Difference
−$120

Core i7-12700K costs more.

Core i7-12700K MSRP
$409

Frequently asked

Is the Core i5-12600K better than the Core i7-12700K?
Core i7-12700K comes out ahead in our weighted scoring under default priorities (50% gaming, 50% productivity, 25% value, 25% efficiency). Use the comparison tool to weight by your own workload mix.
Which is better for gaming, the Core i5-12600K or the Core i7-12700K?
Core i7-12700K leads in gaming workloads by 5.3% over Core i5-12600K.
Which is faster for productivity, the Core i5-12600K or the Core i7-12700K?
Core i7-12700K is 22.4% faster than Core i5-12600K in multi-core productivity workloads.
What is the price difference between the Core i5-12600K and the Core i7-12700K?
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409, $120 more than the Core i5-12600K at $289.

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