Core i5-11500 vs Core i5-12600T
Core i5-11500
Core i5-12600T
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11500
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12600T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-11500 | Core i5-12600T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($223) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-11500 | Core i5-12600T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+99%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($223) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-11500 and Core i5-12600T
Core i5-11500
The Core i5-11500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 17,096 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i5-12600T
The Core i5-12600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 17,427 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-11500 and Core i5-12600T share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-11500 versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-12600T — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-11500 uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-12600T uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11500 scores 17,096 against the Core i5-12600T's 17,427 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i5-12600T. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11500 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12600T.
| Feature | Core i5-11500 | Core i5-12600T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz+29% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 18 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 17,096 | 17,427+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 9,883 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,064 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,564 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-11500 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-12600T uses LGA1700 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11500 versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-12600T — the Core i5-12600T supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H510,B560,Z590,H470,Z490 (Core i5-11500) and LGA1700 (Core i5-12600T).
| Feature | Core i5-11500 | Core i5-12600T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-11500) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-12600T). Both include integrated graphics — UHD 750 (Core i5-11500) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-12600T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11500 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-11500 rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-11500 | Core i5-12600T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD 750 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-11500 launched at $192 MSRP, while the Core i5-12600T debuted at $223. At current prices ($110 vs $223), the Core i5-11500 is $113 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11500 delivers 155.4 pts/$ vs 78.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-12600T — making the Core i5-11500 the 66.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-11500 | Core i5-12600T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-14% | $223 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110-51% | $223 |
| Performance per Dollar | 155.4+99% | 78.1 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
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