PROS
- The best CPU for gaming in 2021
- Faster than the Core i9 11900K
- A more efficient Alder Lake chip
CONS
- Still more power-hungry than Ryzen
- Doesn’t play nice with some games
The Core i5 processor is essential for the majority of gamers. It is more affordable than the Core i7 or Core i9, yet it still provides the essential features that contribute to the gaming performance of those higher-end chips. The Core i5 12600K, being the inaugural Core i5 of the Alder Lake series, exemplifies this principle, although this may not fully capture its capabilities.
The reason for this is that the Core i5 12600K represents an even more remarkable advancement: it offers performance comparable to the leading chip from the previous generation, all at nearly half the cost.
Indeed, it required merely one generation and less than a year for Intel to incorporate the performance of its Core i9 into a Core i5 framework. The Core i5 12600K is remarkably impressive, and as it does not fully exploit the maximum capabilities of Alder Lake within a single die, it presents a more energy-efficient design compared to the Core i9 12900K. This results in a more balanced processor suitable for mid- to high-end configurations.
As you explore the performance of the Core i5 12600K more thoroughly, it becomes increasingly evident that it is the standout performer of the 12th Generation lineup, at least until the remaining Alder Lake desktop processors are released early next year.
It remains uncertain what the future may reveal regarding the Core i5 12400 or any other more affordable Alder Lake processors. Currently, the Core i5 12600K represents the most effective investment for a gaming CPU within your budget.
What components are included in the Intel Core i5 12600K?
The Intel Core i5 12600K features a 6+4 architecture, comprising six Performance Cores (P-Cores) and four Efficient Cores (E-Cores). This hybrid configuration is a result of the innovative Alder Lake architecture, which employs a new design philosophy. For a more comprehensive understanding, you may refer to our review of the Intel Core i9 12900K, but I will also summarize the key points here.
In essence, the majority of 12th Generation processors are driven by two distinct Core architectures: Golden Cove and Gracemont.
The architecture of Golden Cove is designed to resemble a conventional CPU core, as recognized by gamers, with a focus on optimizing single-threaded performance and achieving elevated clock speeds. These components are referred to as P-Cores.
The Gracemont architecture is derived from Intel’s Atom series of low-power processors, which are designed for efficiency. This allows for a greater number of cores to be integrated onto a single chip without occupying excessive space. These cores are referred to as E-Cores.
This description significantly simplifies the complexities of both architectures, yet it serves to clarify the somewhat ambiguous specifications of the Core i5 12600K. As previously noted, this processor features six P-Cores and four E-Cores, representing a modest increase in total core count compared to the Core i5 11600K. Furthermore, it possesses a greater number of physical cores than the Core i9 11900K, which, as will be demonstrated in the benchmarks, positions this Core i5 as a formidable competitor to the 11th Gen Core i9.
Prior to delving into the intriguing specifics, it is essential to address the remaining specifications of the Core i5 12600K.
The P-Core and E-Core architectures both utilize a shared 20MB Intel Smart Cache (L3), in addition to the integrated graphics, which feature the latest UHD Graphics 770.
The Core i5 12600K operates just under the 5GHz threshold on its P-Cores at standard frequencies, indicating that manual adjustments will be necessary to exceed this limit. Fortunately, Intel assures users of ample overclocking potential. Additionally, the E-Cores can achieve a maximum speed of 3.6GHz. Notably, the base clock for the P-Cores in this model is higher than that of the Core i9 12900K, registering at 3.7GHz.
The Processor Base Power (PBP) of the Core i5 12600K is set at 125W, which is consistent with the specifications of the entire Alder Lake desktop CPU series thus far. One may question the use of PBP instead of TDP; this change is due to Intel’s decision to eliminate TDP for the 12th Generation processors. Consequently, PBP now serves as a reference point that approximates the former TDP of Intel’s CPUs, while a new metric, Turbo Boost Power (TBP), indicates the maximum power consumption of these processors under specific workloads. For the Core i5 12600K, the TBP is rated at 150W.
The suggested retail price for the Core i5 12600K is approximately, as indicated on Intel’s official website. However, this price is often not reflective of what consumers encounter in retail stores, especially when discounts are not applied. Currently, Newegg lists the Core i5 12600K, which is likely to be the prevailing market price for this processor for the foreseeable future.
An aspect that is somewhat peripheral to the specifications of this chip, yet certainly merits attention, is Intel’s recommendation to utilize Windows 11 with these processors to fully leverage their capabilities. This recommendation is primarily due to the hybrid architecture and a feature known as the Thread Director, which enhances the operating system’s ability to manage tasks with increased precision. However, this implies that using this chip may necessitate an operating system that we are not entirely inclined to endorse at this time.
Additionally, it is important to note that the introduction of the new 12th Generation chip, which utilizes a new 12th Generation socket (LGA 1700), necessitates the purchase of a new motherboard for the Core i5 12600K. This currently requires a Z690 motherboard, which may result in a higher expenditure than anticipated for those aiming for a mid-range or budget-friendly configuration. However, it is anticipated that more affordable chipsets will be available next year, so if you are willing to wait, the market is likely to become more accommodating.
In the interim, a cost-effective approach would be to acquire a motherboard that is compatible with DDR4 and economize on your memory kit, rather than opting for a motherboard that supports DDR5 and investing in the most advanced DDR5 RAM currently on the market. This method is, however, efficient.
What is the performance level of the Intel Core i5 12600K?
It is widely recognized that the Intel Core i5 12600K is an exceptional gaming processor. The impressive single-threaded performance of the Golden Cove P-Cores allows it to navigate through the majority of our benchmarking suite with considerable efficiency, only slightly trailing behind the Core i9 12900K in certain gaming scenarios.
Notably, the Core i5 12600K significantly outperforms the Core i9 11900K in gaming performance, as evidenced by all the benchmarks we have conducted. Furthermore, it surpasses AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X by a considerable margin, which is crucial given the current competitive landscape.
The PC Gamer 12th Generation testing setup comprises the Asus ROG Maximus Z690 Hero motherboard, Corsair Dominator memory operating at an effective speed of 5,200MHz, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, a 1TB WD Black SN850 PCIe 4.0 storage drive, an Asus ROG Ryujin II 360 cooling system, an NZXT 850W power supply, a DimasTech Mini V2 chassis, and is running on Windows 11.
The PC Gamer 11th Generation testing setup includes the MSI MPG Z490 Carbon WiFi motherboard, Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB memory operating at an effective speed of 3,600MHz, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, a 1TB WD Black SN850 PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive, an Asus ROG Ryujin II 360 liquid cooler, an NZXT 850W power supply, a DimasTech Mini V2 chassis, and is running on Windows 11.
The PC Gamer AMD test configuration includes a Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master motherboard, Thermaltake DDR4 memory operating at 3,600MHz, a Zadak Spark all-in-one cooler, a 2TB Sabrent Rocket PCIe 4.0 storage drive, a Corsair 850W power supply, and is running on Windows 11.
A notable interruption occurred during the benchmarking of the Core i9 12600K, specifically concerning Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. This particular game fails to launch on both of our Intel Alder Lake test systems, presenting a persistent problem. This issue is likely associated with the DRM complications that Intel has officially acknowledged regarding Alder Lake. Intel has informed me that they are actively investigating this matter in collaboration with Ubisoft.
Despite the advantages that the hybrid Alder Lake architecture appears to offer the Core i5 12600K, it is also leading to certain issues on the day of its launch.
Moving beyond gaming, it is essential to acknowledge the productivity and multithreaded performance available, which will support all your creative application requirements.
The Core i5 12600K significantly outperforms the Core i9 11900K in multithreaded benchmarks, a trend that is similarly observed with the Ryzen 5 5600X. This outcome may not be entirely unexpected, given that the Core i5 12600K possesses a greater number of physical cores than both competitors. However, it is noteworthy to observe the substantial impact of the E-Cores in handling multithreaded tasks. Although the Core i9 11900K features an equal number of threads as the Core i5 12600K, it falls short against the superior architecture of the latter, particularly when considering the advancements of the 12th Generation.
It is quite remarkable that this chip surpasses the Ryzen 5 5600X, a processor we hold in high regard. However, it is even more astonishing that it outperforms the Core i9 11900K by such a significant margin. Furthermore, when examining the CPU package power of the Core i5 12600K, it becomes evident that this processor is considerably less power-intensive than the Core i9 11900K, demonstrating greater efficiency while still delivering superior performance.
It remains somewhat short of competing with AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X and exhibits only marginally better efficiency than the 16-core Ryzen 9 5950X, highlighting the overall efficiency of the Zen 3 architecture and AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series. This situation is similarly reflected in the high-end Core i9 12900K, as Intel appears unable to achieve the level of efficiency that AMD consistently provides.
Overall, the Core i5 12600K stands out as an exceptional gaming processor, exemplifying Intel’s capabilities when it is not merely following AMD’s lead. Its pricing is comparable to that of AMD’s offerings, possibly slightly higher in real-world scenarios, yet it provides a distinctly superior level of performance while maintaining reasonable power consumption.
What implications does the Intel Core i5 12600K have for the realm of PC gaming?
AMD faces significant challenges in the wake of the Core i5 12600K’s launch, which is advantageous for PC builders. Unlike its high-end offerings, Intel’s mid-range processors have maintained a competitive edge in recent generations, with models like the Core i5 11600K being among our top recommendations. However, the Core i5 12600K elevates the desirable attributes of the Core i5 series to an even higher level.
The Intel Core i5 12600K is not merely a powerful processor; it serves as the foundation for an entire next-generation platform. Its strategic balance of cost and performance makes DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 SSDs more accessible, thereby rendering the entire 12th Generation platform more appealing for those who are not inclined to invest exorbitant amounts of money.
The issue of platform costs remains a consideration, which may benefit AMD for the time being. Consequently, it appears that AMD is not overly concerned about the Core i5 12600K at this moment, particularly since AMD is expected to have a strong response to Intel in the upcoming year, based on current indications.
In providing comparable, if not superior, performance at nearly half the price of the leading processor released in the same year—specifically, Rocket Lake, which debuted in 2021—Intel has truly impressed me with the Core i5 12600K.
Is it advisable to purchase an Intel Core i5 12600K?
The Core i5 12600K currently stands out as the premier CPU for gaming, particularly for those who approach their choices with practicality. While I may not align with that practical mindset and would personally prefer the Core i9 12900K or the Ryzen 9 5950X for their superior specifications, a careful analysis of price-to-performance ratio, performance per watt, and a moment of rational consideration reveals that the Core i5 12600K is indeed the leading option.
There exists a possibility that Intel could provide a sufficient supply of this chip at a competitive price, suggesting that we may finally possess a gaming hardware option that genuinely offers value for money.
Given the current situation regarding graphics cards, it may seem inappropriate to make such a suggestion. However, it is accurate to state that the Core i5 12600K represents a commendable value. When paired with reasonably priced Z690 motherboards, it could potentially serve as an excellent choice for a gaming PC configuration. This setup has the capability to deliver high-end frame rates when equipped with an appropriate graphics card—this processor effectively presents itself as a high-end option while functioning as a mid-range champion, excelling in its performance.
It is possible that the Core i5 12600KF is my preferred choice for the best gaming CPU currently available, as it is expected to be the more affordable option of the two. Nevertheless, should you choose to acquire either of the two processors, it is likely that selecting the one available at a lower price would not lead to any regrettable decision.