Core i5-12600 vs Core i9-10910
Core i5-12600
Core i9-10910
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 i5-12600
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10910
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12600 | Core i9-10910 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake-S (2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12600 | Core i9-10910 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+25%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
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 i5-12600 and Core i9-10910
Core i5-12600
The Core i5-12600 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FP7/FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR5x, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,383 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i9-10910
The Core i9-10910 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 21,396 points. Launch price was $488.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-10910 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-10910 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-12600 versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-10910 — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-10910 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-12600 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-10910 uses Comet Lake-S (2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12600 scores 21,383 against the Core i9-10910's 21,396 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i9-10910. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12600 vs 20 MB on the Core i9-10910.
| Feature | Core i5-12600 | Core i9-10910 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 10 / 20+67% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | 20 MB+11% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB+100% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Comet Lake-S (2020) |
| PassMark | 21,383 | 21,396 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,400 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,400 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12600 uses the FP7/FP8 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-10910 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-12600 versus DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10910 — the Core i5-12600 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. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12600) vs 16 (Core i9-10910) — the Core i5-12600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B660,Z690 (Core i5-12600) and Z490,B460 (Core i9-10910).
| Feature | Core i5-12600 | Core i9-10910 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP7/FP8 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-12600) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i9-10910) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12600 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12600 rivals Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i5-12600 | Core i9-10910 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12600 launched at $233 MSRP, while the Core i9-10910 debuted at $488. At current prices ($250 vs $200), the Core i9-10910 is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12600 delivers 85.5 pts/$ vs 107.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-10910 — making the Core i9-10910 the 22.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12600 | Core i9-10910 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $233-52% | $488 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $250 | $200-20% |
| Performance per Dollar | 85.5 | 107.0+25% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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