Intel Core i5-6500 vs Intel Core i7-12700K
25.6Single-core69.4
22.9Multi-core61.5
21.9Gaming58.1
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-650019 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-12700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 63 to 23.5, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+44) and Multi-core (+39). Intel Core i5-6500 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 i5-6500
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $192 vs $409
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-12700K
- Stronger Single-core score: 69 vs 26
- Stronger Multi-core score: 62 vs 23
- Stronger gaming score: 58 vs 22
- 1100% higher L2 cache: 12 MB vs 1 MB
- 540% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 22,400 vs 3,500
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 190 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 12+200% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 20+400% |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| Boost clock | 3.6 GHz | 5 GHz+39% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 12 MB+1100% |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 25 MB+317% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,050 MHz | 1,500 MHz+43% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,180Top 85% | 2,500+112%Top 25% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,050Top 92% | 14,300+369%Top 23% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,950Top 20% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 3,500Top 95% | 22,400+540%Top 18% |
| PassMark | 5,600Top 95% | 34,500+516%Top 23% |
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