Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core i7-4790K
65.2Single-core29.7
50.8Multi-core27.2
52.1Gamingspec-based26.9
15 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K3 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-12600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 55.4 to 27.9, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+36) and multi-core (+24). Intel Core i7-4790K 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 30
- Stronger multi-core score: 51 vs 27
- 850% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 1 MB
- 300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB
- 221% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 16,878 vs 5,250
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K
- 30% lower Base TDP: 88 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1150 |
| Process | 10 nm+55% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 88 W+30% |
| Max turbo power | 150 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10+150% | 4 |
| Performance cores | 6+50% | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 0 |
| Threads | 16+100% | 8 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz | 4 GHz+8% |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz+11% | 4.4 GHz |
| L2 cache | 10 MB+850% | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 20 MB+150% | 8 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| iGPU clock | 1,450 MHz | 1,250 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max memory | 128 GB+300% | 32 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 1,350Bottom 21% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 4,600Bottom 18% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,809+64%Top 38% | 1,100Bottom 16% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 16,878+221%Top 37% | 5,250Bottom 15% |
| PassMark | 27,501+209%Top 47% | 8,900Bottom 13% |
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