Intel Core i5-6600K vs Intel Core i7-12700K
29Single-core69.4
24Multi-core61.5
23.8Gamingspec-based58.1
1 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K18 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-12700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 63 to 25.4, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+40) and multi-core (+38). 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
- 27% lower Base TDP: 91 W vs 125 W
- Lower launch price: $242 vs $409
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-12700K
- Stronger single-core score: 69 vs 29
- Stronger multi-core score: 62 vs 24
- 1100% higher L2 cache: 12 MB vs 1 MB
- 453% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 22,400 vs 4,050
- 439% higher PassMark: 34,500 vs 6,400
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 91 W+27% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 190 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 12+200% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 20+400% |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| Boost clock | 3.9 GHz | 5 GHz+28% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 12 MB+1100% |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 25 MB+317% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,150 MHz | 1,500 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | 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 i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,300Bottom 19% | 2,500+92%Top 40% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,350Bottom 9% | 14,300+327%Top 36% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,110Bottom 17% | 1,950+76%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 4,050Bottom 9% | 22,400+453%Top 26% |
| PassMark | 6,400Bottom 8% | 34,500+439%Top 34% |
Related comparisons
Intel Core i5-6600Kvs Intel Core i7-4790VSIntel Core i5-6600Kvs Intel Core i5-7500VSIntel Core i5-6600Kvs Intel Core i7-4770KVSIntel Core i5-6600Kvs Intel Core i7-4770VSIntel Core i7-12700Kvs AMD Ryzen 9 5900XVSIntel Core i7-12700Kvs AMD Ryzen 7 7700VSIntel Core i7-12700Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 7600XVSIntel Core i7-12700Kvs Intel Core i5-13600KFVS