Intel Core i5-12400 vs Intel Core i5-9600K
56.4Single-core36
41.7Multi-core29.8
46.5Gaming31
15 spec wins — Intel Core i5-124004 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-12400 wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.3 to 32, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+20) and gaming (+16). Intel Core i5-9600K 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 i5-12400
- Stronger Single-core score: 56 vs 36
- Stronger Multi-core score: 42 vs 30
- Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 31
- 400% higher L2 cache: 8 MB vs 2 MB
- 100% higher threads: 12 vs 6
- Lower launch price: $192 vs $262
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9600K
- 48% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2018 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+32% | 95 W |
| Max turbo power | 117 W | 119 W+2% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 6 |
| Performance cores | 6 | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 12+100% | 6 |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+48% |
| Boost clock | 4.4 GHz | 4.6 GHz+5% |
| L2 cache | 8 MB+400% | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 18 MB+100% | 9 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,450 MHz+26% | 1,150 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,100+33%Top 32% | 1,580Top 56% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 9,400+88%Top 43% | 5,000Top 76% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,690+41%Top 33% | 1,200Top 72% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 11,900+78%Top 47% | 6,700Top 75% |
| PassMark | 19,700+76%Top 49% | 11,200Top 76% |
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