CPU
GPU
Core i5-12600K
EPYC 7401P
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 i5-12600K
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7401P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12600K | EPYC 7401P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($185) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12600K | EPYC 7401P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($185) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i5-12600K and EPYC 7401P
Core i5-12600K
The Core i5-12600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,586 points. Launch price was $289.
EPYC 7401P
The EPYC 7401P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 27,836 points. Launch price was $1,075.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12600K packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the EPYC 7401P offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7401P has 14 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-12600K versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7401P — a 48.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-12600K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-12600K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7401P uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12600K scores 27,586 against the EPYC 7401P's 27,836 — a 0.9% lead for the EPYC 7401P. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-12600K vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7401P.
| Feature | Core i5-12600K | EPYC 7401P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 16 | 24 / 48+140% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+63% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+85% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+220% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Naples (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 27,586 | 27,836 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,472 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,863 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7401P uses TR4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-12600K | EPYC 7401P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | TR4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-12600K) / not specified (EPYC 7401P). The Core i5-12600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7401P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12600K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-12600K rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-12600K | EPYC 7401P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-12600K and EPYC 7401P
