Core i5-12600KF vs Core i5-12600K
Core i5-12600KF
Core i5-12600K
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 i5-12600KF
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12600KF | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($190) | ✅ More affordable ($185) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12600KF | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($190) | ✅ More affordable ($185) |
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 i5-12600KF and Core i5-12600K
Core i5-12600KF
The Core i5-12600KF 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: 9.5 MB. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 27,594 points. Launch price was $264.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-12600KF and Core i5-12600K share an identical 10-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-12600KF versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-12600K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-12600KF scores 27,594 against the Core i5-12600K's 27,586 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-12600KF. Both processors carry 20 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-12600KF | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 16 | 10 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 9.5 MB+660% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 27,594 | 27,586 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 17,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,472 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,863 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i5-12600KF) and Z690,B660 (Core i5-12600K).
| Feature | Core i5-12600KF | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-12600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-12600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12600K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-12600KF rivals Ryzen 5 5600X; Core i5-12600K rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-12600KF | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12600KF launched at $264 MSRP, while the Core i5-12600K debuted at $289. At current prices ($190 vs $185), the Core i5-12600K is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12600KF delivers 145.2 pts/$ vs 149.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-12600K — making the Core i5-12600K the 2.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12600KF | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $264-9% | $289 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $190 | $185-3% |
| Performance per Dollar | 145.2 | 149.1+3% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2021 |
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