Intel Core i7-12700K and Core i5-12600K – High Performance for the Mid-Range
Since the launch of the AMD’s Zen 3 architecture and the Ryzen 5000 series, Intel has been working hard and catching up to both price and performance. Intel’s latest Core i7-12700K and Core i5-12600K Adler Lake CPU lineup is its attempt to de-throne the AMD’s Ryzen processor as the consumer’s go-to. The Ryzen processors by AMD had taken over the market and have been the first choice of individuals whether it’s building a high-end desktop for gaming purposes or contentment creation and everything in between. Some also went for a refurbished processor, to purchase something that is equal in performance and light on the pocket.
Therefore, today we talk about the intel’s latest launch and figure out if the Core i7-12700K and Core i5-12600K can finally take over the market and give intel an edge in the popular mid-range and enthusiasts market or just level out the playing field. Keep reading to find out!
Specification Guide
Intel Core i7-12700K Alder Lake Processor
Intel’s Core i7-12700K is central to intel’s latest 12th gen Alder Lake CPU lineup. It offers a significant improvement when compared to intel’s previous processor line. This processor features a new hybrid architecture that combines 4 efficiency cores with 8 hyper-threaded performance cores to make a total of 20 threads. The core i7-12700K offers similar performance to the flagship processor i9-12900K, with the added benefit of a 30% price discount. While in retrospect this represents a great value for money, most consumers should consider investing in the 10-core 16-thread i5-12600K. as this offers comparable real-world performance at 30% less amount.
An Outstanding Average Bench
The Intel Core i7-12700K averaged at an 11.4% higher rate than the peak scores of the range leaders. These excellent results rank the Intel Core i7-12700K processor almost at the top of the comparison list.
Great Consistency
The range of score on the 95th to 5th percentile for this processor is just 1.7%. these scores lie in the relatively narrow range portraying that the performance of the Intel Core i7-12700K is reasonably consistent in fluctuating real-world situations.
Strengths of the Core i7-12700K
Avg. Multi-Core – Mixed Speed 2,412 Pts
Avg. Octa-Core – Mixed Speed 1,441 Pts
Weaknesses of the Core i7-12700K
Avg. Memory Latency 82.1 Pts
Avg. Quad-Core Mixed Speed 752 Pts
Intel Core i5-12600K Alder Lake Processor
Intel’s latest i5-12600K 10-core Alder Lake desktop processor comes with an impressive 50% 64-core performance improvement in comparison to its predecessors. The 10-Core i5-12600K combines 6 hyper-threaded Golden Cove P-cores which have clock speeds up to 4.9 GHz with another four energy-efficient Gracemont E-cores, to build a total of 16 threads. The Alder Lake CPU range comes with a new LGA 1700 socket which requires a new Z690 motherboard with new cooler brackets.
The Z690 motherboard brings with it a lot of new features. Including PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory. Most of these boards will ship in both the DDR4 and DDR5 variants. In comparison, the DDR4 is likely the better option, even when it comes to pricing than the DDR5, or at least till the price settles. With a market competitive price, the i5-12600K is both cheaper in price and faster in performance than its competition. This entails both single and multi-core performance processors. With this price and performance, even the AMD’s prolific marketing infrastructure will struggle to drive sales against the i5-12600K.
Meanwhile, Intel’s i5-12600K is the perfect choice for consumers who do not which to pay the extra amount for an almost unparallel performance. In addition to that, gamers who are already using the K series CPU, from 8th gen or higher will see limited gains in the majority of the titles when used in combination with a 3060 or a lower-tier GPU. Gamers can also see fewer frame drops if they disable the E-Cores altogether.
Outstanding Average Bench
This processor averaged 9.1% higher when compared to the peak scores attained by the group leaders. This result is excellent and places the Core i5-12600K almost at the top of the comparison list.
Very Good Consistency
The range of score on the 95th to 5th percentile for this processor is just 17.8%. This is relatively narrow in comparison which indicates that the Intel Core i5-12600K processor performs consistently in the constantly fluctuating real-world conditions.
Strengths of the i5-12600K
Avg. Single-Core, Mixed Speed 190 Pts
Avg. Dual-Core, Mixed Speed 376 Pts
Weaknesses of the i5-12600K
Avg. Memory Latency 82.6 Pts
Avg. Octa-Core Mixed Speed 1,253 Pts
Their Market Positioning and the Competition
Ever since the release of the AMD Zen-3-based Ryzen 5000 series of processors, Intel has been trying to catch up to its performance and re-establish its place in the market at the top. Previously intel’s 11th gen Core with the name Rocket Lake somewhat bridged the gap. but only when intel launched its Core i9-12900K, intel’s latest generation chip has intel truly been able to take the leap over AMD and attain the top seat of the desktop CPU market.
The 12th Gen Core i7-12700K has 12 cores for 20 threads and as such competes against the AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900X, which features a total of 12-cores Zen 3 architecture and 24 threads. Therefore, comparatively the intel Core i7-12700K has become a much bigger deal in the market as it is sold at a significantly lower price than its competitor processors, along with its powerful performance.
The Core i5-12600K is a little different. When it comes to its completion there are two on the market. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X features 8 cores and 16 threads and the Ryzen 5 5600X. in contrast, the Core i5-12600K features a hybrid 12 core design with 16 threads which gives it exceptional performance, with a price range that sits between both its competitors.
Bottom Line
Despite the many differences between the different chips, including the core and thread count of each. The final result is still going to boil down to its performance and price and many individuals would consider just these two factors when making the purchase. If you do not want to invest in a new processor there is always the option of a refurbished processor as they are equally as good and pocket friendly!
