Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core i5-6500
65.2Single-core25.6
50.8Multi-core22.9
52.1Gamingspec-based21.9
16 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6500
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-12600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 55.4 to 23.5, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+40) and multi-core (+28). Intel Core i5-6500 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 i5-12600K
- Stronger single-core score: 65 vs 26
- Stronger multi-core score: 51 vs 23
- 850% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 1 MB
- 391% higher PassMark: 27,501 vs 5,600
- 382% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 16,878 vs 3,500
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-6500
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $192 vs $318
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i5-6500 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2015 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 65 W+48% |
| Max turbo power | 150 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i5-6500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10+150% | 4 |
| Performance cores | 6+50% | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 0 |
| Threads | 16+300% | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+16% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz+36% | 3.6 GHz |
| L2 cache | 10 MB+850% | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 20 MB+233% | 6 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i5-6500 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| iGPU clock | 1,450 MHz | 1,050 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i5-6500 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600 |
| Max memory | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i5-6500 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i5-6500 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 1,180Bottom 13% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 3,050Bottom 8% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,809Top 38% | — |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 16,878+382%Top 37% | 3,500Bottom 4% |
| PassMark | 27,501+391%Top 47% | 5,600Bottom 4% |
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