Intel Core i5-11600K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
48Single-core72.2
39.1Multi-core70.4
39.8Gamingspec-based63.8
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-11600K14 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 42, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+31) and single-core (+24). Intel Core i5-11600K 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 i5-11600K
- 22% higher Base clock: 3.9 GHz vs 3.2 GHz
- Lower launch price: $262 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 48
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 39
- 367% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 3 MB
- 167% higher cores: 16 vs 6
- 150% higher L3 cache: 30 MB vs 12 MB
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 251 W+4% | 241 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 16+167% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 12 | 24+100% |
| Base clock | 3.9 GHz+22% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz | 5.2 GHz+6% |
| L2 cache | 3 MB | 14 MB+367% |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 30 MB+150% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 750 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,300 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 4 | 5+25% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,870Bottom 48% | 2,715+45%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 7,100Bottom 39% | 17,450+146%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,500Bottom 46% | 1,903+27%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 11,100Bottom 43% | 26,229+136%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 19,800Bottom 36% | 41,103+108%Top 24% |
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