Core i5-14490F vs Core i5-12600K
Core i5-14490F
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 i5-14490F
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-14490F | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($190) | ✅ More affordable ($185) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-14490F | 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 i5-14490F and Core i5-12600K
Core i5-14490F
The Core i5-14490F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,621 points. Launch price was $299.
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 i5-14490F and Core i5-12600K share an identical 10-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i5-14490F versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-12600K — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i5-14490F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-14490F uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-12600K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14490F scores 27,621 against the Core i5-12600K's 27,586 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-14490F. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 2,510 vs 17,500 (149.8% advantage for the Core i5-12600K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,600 vs 2,472, a 5% lead for the Core i5-14490F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,000 vs 11,863 (1.1% advantage for the Core i5-14490F). L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-14490F vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-12600K.
| Feature | Core i5-14490F | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 16 | 10 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+2% | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+48% |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total)+20% | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 27,621 | 27,586 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 2,510 | 17,500+597% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,600+5% | 2,472 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,000+1% | 11,863 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-14490F versus 4800 on the Core i5-12600K — the Core i5-12600K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-14490F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i5-14490F) and Z690,B660 (Core i5-12600K).
| Feature | Core i5-14490F | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+157286300% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-12600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-12600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-14490F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-14490F targets Mid-Range, Core i5-12600K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-14490F rivals Ryzen 5 7600; Core i5-12600K rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-14490F | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mid-Range | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-14490F launched at $209 MSRP, while the Core i5-12600K debuted at $289. At current prices ($190 vs $185), the Core i5-12600K is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14490F delivers 145.4 pts/$ vs 149.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-12600K — making the Core i5-12600K the 2.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-14490F | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $209-28% | $289 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $190 | $185-3% |
| Performance per Dollar | 145.4 | 149.1+3% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2021 |
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