The Intel Core i5-12600K Processors has got the required performance to cripple the last generation Intel Core i9 chips and it not only looks good on paper but equally great while you are gaming.
Well well well….look who is stealing the show already? The Intel Core-i5 12600k Processor is already $25 cheaper than the expected launch price. Yes, you are right! The $25 cheaper makes its price come down to $295.
So without further delay let’s check out the Intel Core i5-12600K Processor in detail.
Intel Core i5-12600K Specs
Here are the Intel Core i5-12600K Processor Specifications
- Total no. Cores – 10
- No. of Performance-cores – 6
- No. of Efficient-cores – 4
- Total no. of Threads – 16
- Max Turbo Frequency – 4.9 GHz
- Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency – 4.9 GHz
- Performance-core Base Frequency – 3.7 GHz
- Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency 3.60 GHz
With its hybrid architect design, this Alder Lake processor contains 6 P cores (Performance cores) and 4 E cores (Efficient core) making it a total of 10 Cores and 16 threads. This blends Golden Cove high-performance cores with Gracemont low-powered cores to improve performance while drawing less power.
Along with a total of 20MB L3 cache, it has a 125W TDP and it sucks 150w of power in case of overclocking. With Intel UHD 770 graphics, it supports a maximum resolution of 4096X2160 at 60Hz with an HDMI cable, and a resolution of 7680X4320 at 60Hz with a Display cable. PCIe express 5.0 is supported so there is maximum memory support of 128GB for both DDR4 and DDR5 platforms.
With DDR5, you can get a maximum speed of 4800Mhz and a maximum speed 3200Mhz with DDR4 while the highest memory bandwidth is 76.8GB/s. But please take note that you cannot run DDR4 and DDR5 memory together.
Intel Core i5-12600K Processor – Benchmarks and Performance
With the latest high-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090, here are the test performance results. Previously, Denuvo DRM was causing problems with Alder Lake but now they have released their patches. These games have been played on Windows 11 with 1080p, in ultra-high settings.
Far Cry 6- The game hits at an average of 130fps and in overclocking mode it gives an average of 160fps with smooth performance.
Formula One(F1) 2021- The game hits an average of 248fps and in overclocking mode it gives an average of 280fps with smooth performance.
Hitman 3- The game hits at an average of 153fps and in overclocking mode it gives an average of 187fps with smooth performance.
Horizon Zero Dawn- The game hits at an average of 176fps and in overclocking mode it gives an average of 190fps with smooth performance.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2021- The game hits at an average of 143fps and in overclocking mode it gives an average of 157fps with smooth performance.
Red Dead Redemption 2- The game hits an average of 162fps and in overclocking mode it gives an average of 177fps with smooth performance.
Watch Dogs Legion- The game hits at an average of 130fps and in overclocking mode it gives an average of 145fps with smooth performance.
Pc heavy application workload- Not a big thing noticeable here. It is performing as expected like other processors. But the Intel Core i5-12600K performs better on Windows 11.
Intel Core i5-12600K Review – Verdict
As it’s from overclocking the “K” family, it doesn’t come with a cooler as we mentioned before you will be needing a separate cooler.
One important thing from the gaming benchmark test results is to be noticed here that the Core i5-12600k is performing at an average of 8% faster with DDR4 memory when compared to DDR5 memory when tested on Horizon Zero Dawn, Far Cry 6, Hitman 3, Watch Dogs Legion, Red Dead Redemption 2, Formula One(F1) games, etc.
So this was all about the Intel 12th Generation Alder Lake Processor. If you are building a PC right now, the Intel Core i5-12600K is the best choice as it not only is unlocked it for overclocking. The only downside is that you don’t get a cooler bundled along with the CPU.
But even if you have chosen the lower-priced Intel Core i5-12400 Processor you had to change the cooler anyway because the stock cooler is not capable of keeping with the latest workloads and gaming no matter what. And if you are looking for an i7 Processor then definitely have a look at the Intel Core i7-12700K Processor.
That’s all folks!
A 30-year-old avid gamer by choice dabbles in all things tech. Whether spending hours in single-player narrative-based games or going through the latest innovation in technology and chip manufacturing, he prefers to stay on top of things. At the other times, you’ll find him tucked away drumming and headbanging to Rock and Roll Classics.