CPU Comparison: Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core i5-12600K

Key Findings

  • The Intel Core i9-12900K leads in single-threaded performance by up to 10.4%
  • In multi-threaded workloads, the Intel Core i9-12900K shows superior performance with a 57.7% advantage

Performance Rankings & Market Position

Intel Core i9-12900K

Desktop
Release Date
Q2 2022
Market Position
183rd fastest in multithreading
4890 CPUs37th fastest in single threading
4890 CPUs51st fastest in
1398 Desktop CPUs

Intel Core i5-12600K

Desktop
Release Date
Q4 2021
Market Position
386th fastest in multithreading
4890 CPUs119th fastest in single threading
4890 CPUs129th fastest in
1398 Desktop CPUs

Performance

Single-Thread Performance

i9-12900K
4,344
i5-12600K
3,934

Multi-Thread Performance

i9-12900K
44,011
i5-12600K
27,912

Specifications: Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core i5-12600K

💻CPU Model
Intel Core i9-12900K
i9-12900K
Intel Core i5-12600K
i5-12600K
🔄Other Names
12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-12900KS, 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900KS
i9-12900K
12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-12600KF, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12600KF
i5-12600K
⚡Base Clock
N/A
i9-12900K
N/A
i5-12600K
🚀Turbo Clock
N/A
i9-12900K
N/A
i5-12600K
💻Cores/Threads
N/A
i9-12900K
N/A
i5-12600K
🔌Socket
LGA 1700
i9-12900K
FCLGA1700
i5-12600K
⚡TDP
150 W
i9-12900K
150 W
i5-12600K
💾Cache
L1 Instruction Cache: 8 x 32 KBL1 Data Cache: 8 x 48 KBL2 Cache: 8 x 1280 KBL3 Cache: 30 MB
i9-12900K
L1 Instruction Cache: 6 x 32 KBL1 Data Cache: 6 x 48 KBL2 Cache: 6 x 1280 KBL3 Cache: 20 MB
i5-12600K

The Intel Core i9-12900K and Intel Core i5-12600K compete in the Desktop segment. The Intel Core i9-12900K shows superior single-thread performance, making it better for tasks like gaming and light workloads.

For multi-threaded applications, the Intel Core i5-12600K takes the lead, despite having the same core count.

Power consumption differs significantly, with the Intel Core i5-12600K drawing more power under load (150W vs 150W). This may impact system thermal design and power supply requirements.