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CPU comparison

Intel Core i5-12600K vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

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 AmazonAMD Ryzen 5 5600X

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

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

  • Blender render score 161 samples/min
  • Cores 6
  • Max boost clock 4.6 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 i5-12600K is 41% faster in the Blender benchmark

AIntel Core i5-12600K227

Median of 8 submissions

BAMD Ryzen 5 5600X161

Median of 63 submissions

Blender Benchmark render score (samples per minute, higher is faster), the median of community-submitted results from Blender Open Data.

A
B
Lowest: 2Average: 22Highest: 79

Gaming

A45%Fair
B39%Fair

Better pick: Core i5-12600K · Max boost clock: 4.9 GHz vs 4.6 GHz

Office Work

A62%Good
B40%Fair

Better pick: Core i5-12600K · Integrated graphics: Yes vs No

Daily Use

A55%Good
B38%Fair

Better pick: Core i5-12600K · Integrated graphics: Yes vs No

Content Creation

A41%Fair
B33%Basic

Better pick: Core i5-12600K · Blender render score: 227 samples/min vs 161 samples/min

02 · Verdict

Intel Core i5-12600K comes out ahead

It wins 5 of 8 compared specifications and scores higher overall. Check current prices before you buy.

AIntel Core i5-12600K

51/100

BAMD Ryzen 5 5600X

38/100

AIntel Core i5-12600K

Advantages

  • Integrated graphics Yes vs No
  • Cores 10 vs 6 (67% higher)
  • Blender render score 227 samples/min vs 161 samples/min (41% higher)
  • Threads 16 vs 12 (33% higher)
  • Max boost clock 4.9 GHz vs 4.6 GHz (7% higher)

Disadvantages

  • TDP / base power 125 W vs 65 W (92% higher)
  • L3 cache 20 MB vs 32 MB (38% lower)

BAMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Advantages

  • L3 cache 32 MB vs 20 MB (60% higher)
  • TDP / base power 65 W vs 125 W (48% lower)

Disadvantages

  • Integrated graphics No vs Yes
  • Cores 6 vs 10 (40% lower)
  • Blender render score 161 samples/min vs 227 samples/min (29% lower)
  • Threads 12 vs 16 (25% lower)
  • Max boost clock 4.6 GHz vs 4.9 GHz (6% lower)

03 · Full comparison

Side-by-side specifications

SpecificationAIntel Core i5-12600KBAMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Measured performance
Blender render scoreMedian of community-submitted Blender Benchmark results (Blender Open Data). Higher is faster.227 samples/min Better +41%161 samples/min
Benchmark submissionsHow many results the median is based on. Small numbers are less reliable.863
Cores & clocks
Cores10 Better +67%6
Efficiency (E) cores4—
Threads16 Better +33%12
Base clock3.7 GHz3.7 GHz
Max boost clock4.9 GHz Better +7%4.6 GHz
Memory & cache
L3 cache20 MB32 MB Better +60%
Memory supportDDR4 / DDR5DDR4
Power
TDP / base power125 W65 W Better
Features
Integrated graphicsYes BetterNo
Platform
ArchitectureAlder LakeZen 3
SocketLGA1700AM4
Manufacturing processIntel 77 nm
Release year20212020
Launch price$289$299

Ready to buy?

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

ACheck Price on Amazon: Core i5-12600KBCheck Price on Amazon: Ryzen 5 5600X

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

Intel Core i5-12600K vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X at a glance

This page compares the Intel Core i5-12600K and the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X using published specifications and real measured benchmark results. In the Blender Benchmark, Intel Core i5-12600K posts a median render score of 227 against 161 for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, making it 41% faster. The medians are based on 8 and 63 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. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: 6 cores, 12 threads, 4.6 GHz max boost clock, 65 W tdp / base power, released in 2020, launched at $299.

Our overall scores are 51 for Core i5-12600K and 38 for Ryzen 5 5600X out of 100. By use case, the better pick is, for gaming: Core i5-12600K; for office work: Core i5-12600K; for daily use: Core i5-12600K; for content creation: Core i5-12600K. Blender measures rendering rather than game frame rates, so treat the gaming result as a guide built from render performance and specifications.

Core i5-12600K vs Ryzen 5 5600X FAQ

Which is faster, the Core i5-12600K or the Ryzen 5 5600X?

In the Blender Benchmark, Intel Core i5-12600K posts a median render score of 227 against 161 for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, making it 41% faster. The medians are based on 8 and 63 community submissions.

Which uses more power, the Core i5-12600K or the Ryzen 5 5600X?

The Intel Core i5-12600K is rated at 125 W and the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X at 65 W, so the Ryzen 5 5600X draws 92% less on paper. Rated power is not the same as power drawn in your own workload.

How much did the Core i5-12600K and the Ryzen 5 5600X cost at launch?

The Intel Core i5-12600K launched at $289 and the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X at $299. Street prices change often, so check a current price before buying.

Is the Core i5-12600K or the Ryzen 5 5600X better for gaming?

Our gaming score favours the Intel Core i5-12600K (45 vs 39 out of 100). That score blends measured render performance with clock speed, cache and memory, because no game benchmark is included in our data.

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.