Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 235
65.2Single-core80.2
50.8Multi-core64.9
52.1Gamingspec-based57.2
4 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K13 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 5 235
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core Ultra 5 235 wins this desktop processor face-off, 67.5 to 55.4, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+15) and multi-core (+14). Intel Core i5-12600K 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
- 24% higher Max turbo power: 150 W vs 121 W
- 14% higher threads: 16 vs 14
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 5 235
- Stronger single-core score: 80 vs 65
- Stronger multi-core score: 65 vs 51
- 174% higher L2 cache: 26 MB vs 10 MB
- 100% higher Efficiency cores: 8 vs 4
- 100% higher Max memory: 256 GB vs 128 GB
- Lower launch price: $247 vs $318
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2025 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm+70% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 65 W+48% |
| Max turbo power | 150 W+24% | 121 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | — |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 | 14+40% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Threads | 16+14% | 14 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+9% | 3.4 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz | 5 GHz+2% |
| L2 cache | 10 MB | 26 MB+174% |
| L3 cache | 20 MB | 24 MB+20% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Graphics |
| iGPU clock | 1,450 MHz | 2,000 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 5 235 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 2,963Top 21% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 17,645Top 22% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,809Top 38% | 2,057+14%Top 21% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 16,878Top 37% | 21,677+28%Top 28% |
| PassMark | 27,501Top 47% | 37,396+36%Top 31% |
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