🚀 CPU Launch

Intel Core i5-12500 vs Intel Core i5-12600K

Table of Contents



Overview:

Comparison between Intel Core i5-12500 and Intel Core i5-12600K

Both CPUs are manufactured by Intel. Intel Core i5-12500 has a higher base speed of 3.0 GHz compared to Intel Core i5-12600K's GHz. Intel Core i5-12500 has a higher turbo speed of 4.6 GHz compared to Intel Core i5-12600K's GHz. Intel Core i5-12600K has more cores (10) compared to Intel Core i5-12500's 6 cores. Intel Core i5-12500 supports more threads (12) compared to Intel Core i5-12600K's threads.

Both CPUs belong to the same class: Desktop. Intel Core i5-12500 uses the LGA socket, while Intel Core i5-12600K uses the FCLGA1700 socket. Intel Core i5-12500 was launched in Q1 2022, while Intel Core i5-12600K was launched in Q4 2021. Intel Core i5-12600K has a larger L3 cache of 20 MB compared to Intel Core i5-12500's 18 MB.

Specification Summary

The Intel Core i5-12500 and Intel Core i5-12600K are two processors with distinct specifications. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features:

  • Manufacturer: Both processors are manufactured by Intel.
  • Speed: The Intel Core i5-12500 has a base speed of 3.0 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-12600K runs at GHz.
  • Turbo Boost: The Intel Core i5-12500 supports a turbo speed of 4.6 GHz, compared to GHz for the Intel Core i5-12600K.
  • Cores: The Intel Core i5-12500 has 6 cores, while the Intel Core i5-12600K has 10 cores.
  • Threads: The Intel Core i5-12500 supports 12 threads, compared to threads for the Intel Core i5-12600K.
  • Class: Both processors are designed for Desktop use.
  • Socket: The Intel Core i5-12500 uses the LGA, while the Intel Core i5-12600K uses the FCLGA1700.
  • Launch Date: The Intel Core i5-12500 was launched on Q1 2022, while the Intel Core i5-12600K was released on Q4 2021.
  • L3 Cache: The Intel Core i5-12500 has 18 MB of L3 cache, compared to 20 MB for the Intel Core i5-12600K.

Detailed Specifications:

Specs Intel Core i5-12500 Intel Core i5-12600K
Intel Intel
Manufacturer Intel Intel
Speed 3.0 GHz GHz
Turbo 4.6 GHz GHz
Cores 6 10
Threads 12
Class Desktop Desktop
Socket LGA FCLGA1700
Launched Q1 2022 Q4 2021
L3 Cache 18 MB 20 MB

Review:

Single Core Performance:


CPU Performance in single-threaded applications

Intel Core i5-12500:



61%
Intel Core i5-12600K:
65%
* More is Better

Multi Core Performance:


CPU Performance in multi-threaded applications

Intel Core i5-12500



28%
Intel Core i5-12600K:
40%
* More is Better

Power Efficiency:


Power Consumption of CPU under full load

Intel Core i5-12500: 65 watts



16.25%
Intel Core i5-12600K: 150 watts
37.5%
* Lower is Better

Launched Date:


Time when the CPU was launched


Intel Core i5-12500 : Q1 2022 ✅

Intel Core i5-12600K : Q4 2021 ✅

* Newer is Better

CPU Launch FINAL SCORE:

CPU Final Rating Ratings

Intel Core i5-12500



Intel Core i5-12600K


Pro's and Con's

Intel Core i5-12500 – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Higher Base Clock Speed: The Intel Core i5-12500 has a higher base clock speed of 3.0 GHz compared to the Intel Core i5-12600K's GHz. This results in better performance for single-threaded tasks and general responsiveness.
  • Higher Turbo Boost Speed: The Intel Core i5-12500 supports a higher turbo boost speed of 4.6 GHz compared to the Intel Core i5-12600K's GHz. This allows for better performance during peak workloads.

Cons:

  • Fewer Cores: The Intel Core i5-12500 has 6 cores, which is fewer than the Intel Core i5-12600K's 10 cores. This could impact performance in multi-threaded workloads, such as rendering, compiling code, or running virtual machines.
  • Lower Multi-Core Performance: In multi-threaded tasks, the Intel Core i5-12500 scores 19911, which is lower than the Intel Core i5-12600K's score of 27677. This makes the Intel Core i5-12600K a better choice for heavy multitasking or parallel processing.

Intel Core i5-12600K – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Newer Release: The Intel Core i5-12600K was launched more recently (Q4 2021) compared to the Intel Core i5-12500 (Q1 2022). This means it benefits from the latest advancements in technology, improved efficiency, and potentially better software optimization.
  • Faster Single-Core Performance: With a single-threaded performance score of 3939, the Intel Core i5-12600K outperforms the Intel Core i5-12500 (score: 3687). This makes it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core performance, such as gaming or everyday productivity.
  • Larger L3 Cache: The Intel Core i5-12600K features a larger L3 cache of 20MB compared to the Intel Core i5-12500's 18MB. A larger cache improves performance in memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, by reducing latency and speeding up data access.
  • Higher CPU Mark Score: The Intel Core i5-12600K has a higher CPU Mark score of 172.99 compared to the Intel Core i5-12500's 98.57. This indicates better overall performance across a wide range of tasks.

Cons:

  • Fewer Threads: The Intel Core i5-12600K has threads, which is fewer than the Intel Core i5-12500's 12 threads. This may limit its ability to handle highly parallel workloads efficiently.
  • Higher Power Consumption: The Intel Core i5-12600K has a higher TDP of 150W compared to the Intel Core i5-12500's 65W. This means it may consume more power, leading to higher energy costs and potentially more heat generation, which could require better cooling solutions.


Productivity


Intel Core i5-12500
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

Intel Core i5-12600K
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.


Gaming

Intel Core i5-12500
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.

Intel Core i5-12600K
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.



Verdict

Intel Core i5-12500

The Intel Core i5-12500 is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.

Intel Core i5-12600K

The Intel Core i5-12600K is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.