Core i5-1250P vs Core i5-11600KF

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.

Core i5-1250P vs Core i5-11600KF FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-1250P vs Core i5-11600KF: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-1250P

2022

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 125W, a 97W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1200 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU), while Core i5-11600KF needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-11600KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (9,250 vs 11,277).

Core i5-11600KF

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $237 MSRP, while Core i5-1250P mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌346.4% higher power demand at 125W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1200 with DDR4, while Core i5-1250P moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1250P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-11600KF better than Core i5-1250P?

Yes. Core i5-11600KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 16.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 21.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 1.6% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-11600KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-11600KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 21.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-11600KF is the better buy right now. Core i5-11600KF comes in at an unclear MSRP at $237 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (82.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-1250P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2021) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1200. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-1250P vs Core i5-11600KF Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-1250P

The Core i5-1250P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 19,167 points. Launch price was $299.

Core i5-11600KF

The Core i5-11600KF 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: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,468 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-1250P packs 12 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i5-11600KF offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-1250P has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-1250P versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600KF — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-11600KF (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i5-1250P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-11600KF uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1250P scores 19,167 against the Core i5-11600KF's 19,468 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i5-11600KF. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 9,250 vs 11,277 (19.7% advantage for the Core i5-11600KF). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,785 vs 2,138, a 18% lead for the Core i5-11600KF that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,420 vs 8,631 (2.5% advantage for the Core i5-11600KF). Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-1250P	Core i5-11600KF
Cores / Threads	12 / 16+100%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.9 GHz+11%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	3.9 GHz+129%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-P (2022)	Rocket Lake (2021)
PassMark	19,167	19,468+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	9,250	11,277+22%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,785	2,138+20%
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,420	8,631+3%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1250P uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-11600KF uses LGA1200 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-1250P versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600KF — the Core i5-1250P supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-11600KF supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: BGA1744 (Core i5-1250P) and LGA1200 (Core i5-11600KF).

Feature	Core i5-1250P	Core i5-11600KF
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+50%	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-11600KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-1250P) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-11600KF). The Core i5-1250P includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU)), while the Core i5-11600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600KF targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-11600KF rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.