Intel Core i5-10400 vs Intel Core i5-12600K
30.4Single-core65.2
32.2Multi-core50.8
36Gamingspec-based52.1
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-1040016 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-12600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 55.4 to 32.6, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+35) and multi-core (+19). Intel Core i5-10400 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-10400
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $182 vs $318
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12600K
- Stronger single-core score: 65 vs 30
- Stronger multi-core score: 51 vs 32
- 533% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 2 MB
- 118% higher PassMark: 27,501 vs 12,600
- 111% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 16,878 vs 8,000
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-10400 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 134 W | 150 W+12% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-10400 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 10+67% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 12 | 16+33% |
| Base clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz+28% |
| Boost clock | 4.3 GHz | 4.9 GHz+14% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 10 MB+533% |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 20 MB+67% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-10400 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,100 MHz | 1,450 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-10400 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-10400 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-10400 | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,390Bottom 23% | — |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 5,800Bottom 27% | — |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,100Bottom 16% | 1,809+64%Top 38% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,000Bottom 25% | 16,878+111%Top 37% |
| PassMark | 12,600Bottom 19% | 27,501+118%Top 47% |
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