AMD Ryzen 5 9600X vs Intel Core i7-12700K
84.7Single-core69.4
52.5Multi-core61.5
66.6Gamingspec-based58.1
9 spec wins — AMD Ryzen 5 9600X8 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700K
InnoReviews verdict
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X wins this desktop processor face-off, 65.7 to 63, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+15). Intel Core i7-12700K still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- Stronger single-core score: 85 vs 69
- 100% higher Max memory: 256 GB vs 128 GB
- 60% lower process: 4 nm vs 10 nm
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- 40% higher CPU PCIe lanes: 28 vs 20
- Lower launch price: $279 vs $409
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-12700K
- Stronger multi-core score: 62 vs 53
- 116% higher Max turbo power: 190 W vs 88 W
- 100% higher cores: 12 vs 6
- 100% higher L2 cache: 12 MB vs 6 MB
- 67% higher threads: 20 vs 12
General
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2021 |
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 4 nm+60% | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 88 W | 190 W+116% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 12+100% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 12 | 20+67% |
| Base clock | 3.9 GHz+8% | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.4 GHz+8% | 5 GHz |
| L2 cache | 6 MB | 12 MB+100% |
| L3 cache | 32 MB+28% | 25 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | AMD Radeon Graphics (2 CU RDNA 2) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 2,200 MHz | 1,500 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 256 GB+100% | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 28+40% | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 2,500Top 39% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 14,300Top 36% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 2,180+12%Top 13% | 1,950Top 28% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 17,176Top 35% | 22,400+30%Top 26% |
| PassMark | 30,047Top 40% | 34,500+15%Top 34% |
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