Intel Core i5-14600K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
78.8Single-core72.2
67.6Multi-core70.4
59Gamingspec-based63.8
8 spec wins — Intel Core i5-14600K8 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
This one is close to a dead heat: Intel Core i5-14600K scores 68.8 against 69.3 for Intel Core i9-12900K. Pick by the categories that matter to you — Intel Core i9-12900K edges ahead in multi-core, or by price.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-14600K
- Stronger single-core score: 79 vs 72
- 50% higher Max memory: 192 GB vs 128 GB
- 43% higher L2 cache: 20 MB vs 14 MB
- Lower launch price: $319 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- 33% higher Max turbo power: 241 W vs 181 W
- 33% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 6
- 25% higher L3 cache: 30 MB vs 24 MB
- 20% higher threads: 24 vs 20
- 14% higher cores: 16 vs 14
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-14600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 181 W | 241 W+33% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-14600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 14 | 16+14% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 8 | 8 |
| Threads | 20 | 24+20% |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz+9% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.3 GHz+2% | 5.2 GHz |
| L2 cache | 20 MB+43% | 14 MB |
| L3 cache | 24 MB | 30 MB+25% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-14600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,550 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-14600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 192 GB+50% | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-14600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-14600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,879+6%Top 28% | 2,715Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 17,409Top 26% | 17,450Top 25% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 2,064+8%Top 22% | 1,903Top 32% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 24,491Top 22% | 26,229+7%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 38,354Top 28% | 41,103+7%Top 24% |
| PassMark (single thread) | 4,263+3%Top 25% | 4,128Top 31% |
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