Intel Core i5-6600K vs Intel Core i7-12700F
29Single-core69.9
24Multi-core50.4
23.8Gamingspec-based57.5
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K17 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700F
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-12700F wins this desktop processor face-off, 58 to 25.4, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+41) and multi-core (+26). Intel Core i5-6600K 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 i5-6600K
- 67% higher Base clock: 3.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz
- Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $242 vs $345
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-12700F
- Stronger single-core score: 70 vs 29
- Stronger multi-core score: 50 vs 24
- 1100% higher L2 cache: 12 MB vs 1 MB
- 400% higher threads: 20 vs 4
- 371% higher PassMark: 30,148 vs 6,400
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015 | 2022 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 91 W | 65 W+29% |
| Max turbo power | — | 180 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 12+200% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 20+400% |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz+67% | 2.1 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz+26% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 12 MB+1100% |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 25 MB+317% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,150 MHz | — |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,300Bottom 19% | — |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,350Bottom 9% | — |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,110Bottom 18% | 1,898+71%Top 34% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 4,050Bottom 10% | 15,291+278%Top 45% |
| PassMark | 6,400Bottom 8% | 30,148+371%Top 40% |
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