Core i5-12600K vs Ryzen 5 5600
Core i5-12600K
Ryzen 5 5600
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 Ryzen 5 5600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12600K | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($185) | ✅ More affordable ($115) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12600K | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+26%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($185) | ✅ More affordable ($115) |
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 Ryzen 5 5600
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.
Ryzen 5 5600
The Ryzen 5 5600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 21,550 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12600K packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i5-12600K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-12600K versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600 — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-12600K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-12600K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12600K scores 27,586 against the Ryzen 5 5600's 21,550 — a 24.6% lead for the Core i5-12600K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 17,500 vs 11,077 (45% advantage for the Core i5-12600K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,472 vs 2,052, a 18.6% lead for the Core i5-12600K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 11,863 vs 8,600 (31.9% advantage for the Core i5-12600K). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-12600K vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 5600.
| Feature | Core i5-12600K | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 16+67% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+11% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+6% | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+60% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 27,586+28% | 21,550 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 17,500+58% | 11,077 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,472+20% | 2,052 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,863+38% | 8,600 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12600K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i5-12600K versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600 — the Core i5-12600K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12600K) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600) — the Ryzen 5 5600 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i5-12600K) and B550,X570,B450,X470,A520 (Ryzen 5 5600).
| Feature | Core i5-12600K | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-12600K) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600). The Core i5-12600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 5 5600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12600K targets Gaming, Ryzen 5 5600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12600K rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-12600K | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Gaming | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12600K launched at $289 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($185 vs $115), the Ryzen 5 5600 is $70 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12600K delivers 149.1 pts/$ vs 187.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600 — making the Ryzen 5 5600 the 22.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12600K | Ryzen 5 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $289 | $199-31% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $185 | $115-38% |
| Performance per Dollar | 149.1 | 187.4+26% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
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