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Core i5-12600K vs Ryzen 5 9600X: Which is Better?

Nov 2021 Alder Lake vs Aug 2024 Ryzen 9000

The verdict

Ryzen 5 9600X wins

Ryzen 5 9600X comes out ahead of Core i5-12600K on overall performance, while the rest of the picture is more nuanced. Ryzen 5 9600X runs 23.5% more efficient under the same productivity load than Core i5-12600K. Performance-per-dollar is comparable. For most builders, Ryzen 5 9600X is the more compelling pick across both gaming and productivity workloads.

Dimension-by-dimension

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Specifications

Spec Core i5-12600K Ryzen 5 9600X
Cores 10 6
Threads 16 12
Boost clock 4.9 GHz 5.4 GHz
Base clock 3.7 GHz 3.9 GHz
TDP 125 W 65 W
L2 cache 9.5 MB 6 MB
L3 cache 20 MB 32 MB
MSRP $289 $279
Process node Intel 7 TSMC N4P
Socket LGA1700 AM5
Memory DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 DDR5-5600
Launched Nov 2021 Aug 2024

Benchmarks

BenchmarkCore i5-12600KRyzen 5 9600X
  • Multi-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 nT
    −7.5%
    Core i5-12600K
    919
    Ryzen 5 9600X
    994
  • Single-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 1T
    −21.0%
    Core i5-12600K
    109
    Ryzen 5 9600X
    138
  • Multi-coreGeekbench 6
    −12.6%
    Core i5-12600K
    12,318
    Ryzen 5 9600X
    14,098
  • Single-coreGeekbench 6
    −25.2%
    Core i5-12600K
    2,412
    Ryzen 5 9600X
    3,225

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
+$10

Core i5-12600K costs more.

Ryzen 5 9600X MSRP
$279

Frequently asked

Is the Core i5-12600K better than the Ryzen 5 9600X?
Ryzen 5 9600X 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 Ryzen 5 9600X?
Ryzen 5 9600X leads in gaming workloads by 23.1% over Core i5-12600K.
Which is faster for productivity, the Core i5-12600K or the Ryzen 5 9600X?
Ryzen 5 9600X is 11.2% faster than Core i5-12600K in multi-core productivity workloads.
What is the price difference between the Core i5-12600K and the Ryzen 5 9600X?
The Core i5-12600K launched at $289, $10 more than the Ryzen 5 9600X at $279.

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