Intel Core i5-6600K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
29Single-core72.2
24Multi-core70.4
23.8Gamingspec-based63.8
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K17 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 25.4, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+46) and single-core (+43). 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 $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 29
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 24
- 1300% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 1 MB
- 548% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 4,050
- 542% higher PassMark: 41,103 vs 6,400
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 91 W+27% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 241 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 16+300% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 4 | 24+500% |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz+9% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.9 GHz | 5.2 GHz+33% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 14 MB+1300% |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 30 MB+400% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,150 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,300Bottom 19% | 2,715+109%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,350Bottom 9% | 17,450+421%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,110Bottom 18% | 1,903+71%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 4,050Bottom 10% | 26,229+548%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 6,400Bottom 8% | 41,103+542%Top 24% |
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