Core i5-11600K vs Core i5-12500
Core i5-11600K
Core i5-12500
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 i5-11600K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-11600K | Core i5-12500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($170) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-11600K | Core i5-12500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+23%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($170) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
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 i5-11600K and Core i5-12500
Core i5-11600K
The Core i5-11600K 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 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,520 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i5-12500
The Core i5-12500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,739 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-11600K and Core i5-12500 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600K versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-12500 — a 6.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-11600K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-11600K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-12500 uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600K scores 19,520 against the Core i5-12500's 19,739 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-12500. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600K vs 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12500.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Core i5-12500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+7% | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+30% | 3 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 | 19,520 | 19,739+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 12,978 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,319 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 9,003 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-11600K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-12500 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600K versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-12500 — the Core i5-12500 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: Intel 500 series,Intel 400 series (Core i5-11600K) and H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,H770,Z790 (Core i5-12500).
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Core i5-12500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-11600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i5-11600K supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 750 (Core i5-11600K) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-12500) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600K targets Desktop, Core i5-12500 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i5-12500 rivals Ryzen 5 5500.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Core i5-12500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 750 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Productivity |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-11600K launched at $262 MSRP, while the Core i5-12500 debuted at $212. At current prices ($170 vs $140), the Core i5-12500 is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600K delivers 114.8 pts/$ vs 141.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-12500 — making the Core i5-12500 the 20.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Core i5-12500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $262 | $212-19% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170 | $140-18% |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.8 | 141.0+23% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
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