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CPU comparison

Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core i7-11700K

Benchmark comparison and full specifications, with the measured difference and a clear winner for gaming, office work, daily use and content creation.

ACheck Price on AmazonIntel Core i5-12600KBCheck Price on AmazonIntel Core i7-11700K

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are set by Amazon.

APart A

Intel

Core i5-12600K

  • Blender render score 227 samples/min
  • Cores 10
  • Max boost clock 4.9 GHz
VS

BPart B

Intel

Core i7-11700K

  • Blender render score 242 samples/min
  • Cores 8
  • Max boost clock 5.0 GHz
Compare other parts

01 · Performance profile

How they score

Scores out of 100 for each way you might use a processor. The chart shows where both parts rank among all 667 CPUs in our database.

Measured performance

Intel Core i7-11700K is 7% faster in the Blender benchmark

AIntel Core i5-12600K227

Median of 8 submissions

BIntel Core i7-11700K242

Median of 1 submission

Blender Benchmark render score (samples per minute, higher is faster), the median of community-submitted results from Blender Open Data. One of these parts has very few submissions, so treat the gap as indicative.

A
B
Lowest: 2Average: 22Highest: 79

Gaming

A45%Fair
B44%Fair

Too close to call

Office Work

A62%Good
B61%Good

Too close to call

Daily Use

A55%Good
B55%Good

Too close to call

Content Creation

A41%Fair
B41%Fair

Too close to call

02 · Verdict

Too close to call

Both parts score within a few points. Choose on price, availability and the use case that matters most to you.

AIntel Core i5-12600K

51/100

BIntel Core i7-11700K

50/100

AIntel Core i5-12600K

Advantages

  • Cores 10 vs 8 (25% higher)
  • L3 cache 20 MB vs 16 MB (25% higher)
  • Base clock 3.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz (3% higher)

Disadvantages

  • Blender render score 227 samples/min vs 242 samples/min (6% lower)
  • Max boost clock 4.9 GHz vs 5.0 GHz (2% lower)

BIntel Core i7-11700K

Advantages

  • Blender render score 242 samples/min vs 227 samples/min (7% higher)
  • Max boost clock 5.0 GHz vs 4.9 GHz (2% higher)

Disadvantages

  • Cores 8 vs 10 (20% lower)
  • L3 cache 16 MB vs 20 MB (20% lower)
  • Base clock 3.6 GHz vs 3.7 GHz (3% lower)

03 · Full comparison

Side-by-side specifications

SpecificationAIntel Core i5-12600KBIntel Core i7-11700K
Measured performance
Blender render scoreMedian of community-submitted Blender Benchmark results (Blender Open Data). Higher is faster.227 samples/min242 samples/min Better +7%
Benchmark submissionsHow many results the median is based on. Small numbers are less reliable.81
Cores & clocks
Cores10 Better +25%8
Efficiency (E) cores4—
Threads1616
Base clock3.7 GHz Better +3%3.6 GHz
Max boost clock4.9 GHz5.0 GHz Better +2%
Memory & cache
L3 cache20 MB Better +25%16 MB
Memory supportDDR4 / DDR5DDR4
Power
TDP / base power125 W125 W
Features
Integrated graphicsYesYes
Platform
ArchitectureAlder LakeRocket Lake
SocketLGA1700LGA1200
Manufacturing processIntel 714 nm
Release year20212021
Launch price$289$399

Ready to buy?

Prices change daily. Check the current price of each part.

ACheck Price on Amazon: Core i5-12600KBCheck Price on Amazon: Core i7-11700K

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are set by Amazon.

Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core i7-11700K at a glance

This page compares the Intel Core i5-12600K and the Intel Core i7-11700K using published specifications and real measured benchmark results. In the Blender Benchmark, Intel Core i7-11700K posts a median render score of 242 against 227 for Intel Core i5-12600K, making it 7% faster. The medians are based on 1 and 8 community submissions.

Intel Core i5-12600K: 10 cores, 16 threads, 4.9 GHz max boost clock, 125 W tdp / base power, released in 2021, launched at $289. Intel Core i7-11700K: 8 cores, 16 threads, 5.0 GHz max boost clock, 125 W tdp / base power, released in 2021, launched at $399.

Core i5-12600K vs Core i7-11700K FAQ

Which is faster, the Core i5-12600K or the Core i7-11700K?

In the Blender Benchmark, Intel Core i7-11700K posts a median render score of 242 against 227 for Intel Core i5-12600K, making it 7% faster. The medians are based on 1 and 8 community submissions.

Which uses more power, the Core i5-12600K or the Core i7-11700K?

Both are rated at 125 W.

How much did the Core i5-12600K and the Core i7-11700K cost at launch?

The Intel Core i5-12600K launched at $289 and the Intel Core i7-11700K at $399. Street prices change often, so check a current price before buying.

Is the Core i5-12600K or the Core i7-11700K better for gaming?

Our gaming scores for the two are within a few points of each other (45 and 44 out of 100). Blender is a rendering benchmark, so also look at independent game benchmarks.

More CPU comparisons

About this data

Benchmark numbers come from Blender Open Data, a public collection of results submitted by real users, shown as medians with the submission count. Specifications and launch prices are compiled from manufacturer information and may contain mistakes. See how it all works on thePC Parts Comparison page, or report an error through our contact page. This page contains affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.