Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core i7-5960X
65.2Single-core20.5
50.8Multi-core34.1
52.1Gamingspec-based43.4
13 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K3 spec wins — Intel Core i7-5960X
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-12600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 55.4 to 32.3, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+45) and multi-core (+17). Intel Core i7-5960X 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 21
- Stronger multi-core score: 51 vs 34
- 375% higher L2 cache: 10 MB vs 2 MB
- 108% higher Cinebench R23 (single): 1,809 vs 870
- 103% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 16,878 vs 8,300
- Lower launch price: $318 vs $999
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-5960X
- 100% higher Memory channels: 4 vs 2
- 100% higher CPU PCIe lanes: 40 vs 20
- 33% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 6
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2011-v3 |
| Process | 10 nm+55% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W+11% | 140 W |
| Max turbo power | 150 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10+25% | 8 |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 0 |
| Threads | 16 | 16 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+23% | 3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz+40% | 3.5 GHz |
| L2 cache | 10 MB+375% | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 20 MB | 20 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,450 MHz | — |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max memory | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 4+100% |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 40+100% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 1,030Bottom 5% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 6,100Bottom 28% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,809+108%Top 38% | 870Bottom 4% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 16,878+103%Top 37% | 8,300Bottom 28% |
| PassMark | 27,501+74%Top 47% | 15,800Bottom 28% |
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