Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285
65.2Single-core84.7
50.8Multi-core86.9
52.1Gamingspec-based70.7
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12600K14 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 9 285
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core Ultra 9 285 wins this desktop processor face-off, 82.2 to 55.4, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+36) and single-core (+20). 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
- 48% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $318 vs $549
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 9 285
- Stronger single-core score: 85 vs 65
- Stronger multi-core score: 87 vs 51
- 321% higher L2 cache: 40 MB vs 10 MB
- 300% higher Efficiency cores: 16 vs 4
- 140% higher cores: 24 vs 10
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2025 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm+70% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 65 W+48% |
| Max turbo power | 150 W | 182 W+21% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | — |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 | 24+140% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 16+300% |
| Threads | 16 | 24+50% |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+48% | 2.5 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz | 5.6 GHz+14% |
| L2 cache | 10 MB | 40 MB+321% |
| L3 cache | 20 MB | 36 MB+80% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Graphics |
| iGPU clock | 1,450 MHz | 2,000 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-12600K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 3,061Top 16% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 19,926Top 13% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,809Top 38% | — |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 16,878Top 37% | — |
| PassMark | 27,501Top 47% | 57,762+110%Top 11% |
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