Intel Core i5-9600K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
36Single-core72.2
29.8Multi-core70.4
31Gamingspec-based63.8
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K17 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 32, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+41) and single-core (+36). Intel Core i5-9600K 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 i5-9600K
- 24% lower Base TDP: 95 W vs 125 W
- 16% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz
- Lower launch price: $262 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 36
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 30
- 833% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 2 MB
- 300% higher threads: 24 vs 6
- 291% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 6,700
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2018 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1151-v2 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 95 W+24% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 119 W | 241 W+103% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 16+167% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 6 | 24+300% |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+16% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.6 GHz | 5.2 GHz+13% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 14 MB+833% |
| L3 cache | 9 MB | 30 MB+233% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,150 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,580Bottom 38% | 2,715+72%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 5,000Bottom 21% | 17,450+249%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,200Bottom 24% | 1,903+59%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 6,700Bottom 21% | 26,229+291%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 11,200Bottom 17% | 41,103+267%Top 24% |
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