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Intel Core i5-12400F vs Intel Core i5-9600K

WINNER
Intel Core i5-12400F
47.3Inno Score
VS
Intel Core i5-9600K
32Inno Score
56.4Single-core36
41.7Multi-core29.8
46.5Gamingspec-based31
14 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12400F4 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-12400F wins this desktop processor face-off, 47.3 to 32, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+20) and multi-core (+12). 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 i5-12400F

  • Stronger single-core score: 56 vs 36
  • Stronger multi-core score: 42 vs 30
  • 400% higher L2 cache: 8 MB vs 2 MB
  • 100% higher threads: 12 vs 6
  • 100% higher L3 cache: 18 MB vs 9 MB
  • Lower launch price: $167 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

General comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
SpecIntel Core i5-12400FIntel Core i5-9600K
Announced20222018
SocketLGA1700LGA1151-v2
Process10 nm+29%14 nm
Base TDP65 W+32%95 W
Max turbo power117 W119 W+2%
Unlocked multiplierNoYes
Cooler includedYesNo

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
SpecIntel Core i5-12400FIntel Core i5-9600K
Cores66
Performance cores66
Efficiency cores00
Threads12+100%6
Base clock2.5 GHz3.7 GHz+48%
Boost clock4.4 GHz4.6 GHz+5%
L2 cache8 MB+400%2 MB
L3 cache18 MB+100%9 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
SpecIntel Core i5-12400FIntel Core i5-9600K
iGPU—Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock—1,150 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
SpecIntel Core i5-12400FIntel Core i5-9600K
Memory supportDDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200DDR4-2666
Max memory128 GB128 GB
Memory channels22

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
SpecIntel Core i5-12400FIntel Core i5-9600K
PCIe version5+67%3
CPU PCIe lanes20+25%16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i5-12400F versus Intel Core i5-9600K
SpecIntel Core i5-12400FIntel Core i5-9600K
Geekbench 6 (single)2,100+33%Top 46%1,580Bottom 38%
Geekbench 6 (multi)9,400+88%Bottom 47%5,000Bottom 21%
Cinebench R23 (single)1,690+41%Top 45%1,200Bottom 24%
Cinebench R23 (multi)11,900+78%Bottom 44%6,700Bottom 21%
PassMark19,700+76%Bottom 35%11,200Bottom 17%

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