Core i7-12700K vs Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
Core i7-12700K
Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
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 i7-12700K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($90) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+23%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($90) |
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 i7-12700K and Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K 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 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Ryzen 5 PRO 2600
The Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 19 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 13,330 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 3.9 GHz on the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 — a 24.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600's 13,330 — a 88.2% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+100% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+28% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+6% | 3.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+56% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-17% | 12 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Zen+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 34,347+158% | 13,330 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) / not specified (Ryzen 5 PRO 2600). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 debuted at $199. At current prices ($285 vs $90), the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 is $195 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 148.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 — making the Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 the 20.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen 5 PRO 2600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $199-51% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $90-68% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 148.1+23% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2018 |
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