AMD Ryzen 5 9600X vs Intel Core i5-12600K

VS
Performance
Ryzen 5 9600X3% better
25,71770% of 36,991
Core i5-12600K
25,01768% of 36,991

The Ryzen 5 9600X has 3% better performance than the Core i5-12600K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Ryzen 5 9600X6% better
92.1876% of 121.53
Core i5-12600K
86.5671% of 121.53

The Ryzen 5 9600X has 6% better value for the money than the Core i5-12600K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

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Summary

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About the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X CPU

The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is a 6-core (12-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q3 2024 with a suggested retail price of $279. It is part of AMD's Ryzen 5 lineup, which is based on the Zen 5 microarchitecture. The 9600X is compatible with AMD Socket AM5 motherboards and is fabricated on TSMC's 4 nm manufacturing process. It features the Radeon Graphics integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Ryzen 5 9600X supports DDR5 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Ryzen 5 9600X has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 80 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 32 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Ryzen 5 9600X features 6 total cores which can process 12 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.9 GHz, and it can boost up to 5.4 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Ryzen 5 9600X includes an integrated graphics solution called Radeon Graphics. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Ryzen 5 9600X has the 22nd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 69.52% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 25,717 score and $279 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 92.18. This is the 11th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the Intel Core i5-12600K CPU

The Intel Core i5-12600K is a 10-core (16-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2021 with a suggested retail price of $289. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Alder Lake-S microarchitecture. The i5-12600K is compatible with Intel Socket 1700 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process. It features the UHD Graphics 770 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i5-12600K supports DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-12600K has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 80 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1.25 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 20 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i5-12600K features 10 total cores which can process 16 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The 10 cores consist of 6 P-Cores and 4 E-Cores. P-Cores are designed for high-performance tasks and E-Cores are intended for efficiency and lighter tasks. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.7 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.9 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i5-12600K includes an integrated graphics solution called UHD Graphics 770. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i5-12600K has the 26th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 67.63% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 25,017 score and $289 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 86.56. This is the 12th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoRyzen 5 9600XCore i5-12600K
ManufacturerAMDIntel
SeriesRyzen 5Core i5
Market SegmentDesktopDesktop
Release DateQ3 2024Q4 2021
Launch Price (MSRP)$279$289
Production StatusActiveActive
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Ryzen 5 9600X3% better
25,71770% of 36,991
Core i5-12600K
25,01768% of 36,991

The Ryzen 5 9600X has 3% better performance than the Core i5-12600K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Ryzen 5 9600X is ranked 22nd with a score of 25,717, and the Core i5-12600K is ranked 26th with a score of 25,017.

Performance per dollar
Ryzen 5 9600X6% better
92.1876% of 121.53
Core i5-12600K
86.5671% of 121.53

The Ryzen 5 9600X has 6% better value for the money than the Core i5-12600K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Ryzen 5 9600X is ranked 11th with a performance per dollar of 92.18, and the Core i5-12600K is ranked 12th with a performance per dollar of 86.56.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Ryzen 5 9600X or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i7-1370026,874+4%
Ryzen 9 790026,325+2%
Core i9-12900K26,223+2%
Ryzen 5 7600X25,731+0%
Ryzen 5 9600X25,717
Ryzen 9 5950X25,154.5-2%
Core i5-12600K25,017-3%
Core i7-12700K24,947-3%
Core i9-1290024,314-5%
Ryzen 5 760023,854-7%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Ryzen 5 9600X or
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Ryzen 5 7600104.17+13%
Core i5-14600K99.19+8%
Core i5-13600K95.36+3%
Ryzen 7 770094.06+2%
Ryzen 5 9600X92.18
Core i5-12600K86.56-6%
Ryzen 5 7600X86.06-7%
Ryzen 7 9700X85.67-7%
Core i7-14700K79.06-14%
Ryzen 7 7700X78.86-14%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkRyzen 5 9600XCore i5-12600K
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
25,717
(+2.8%)
25,017
3DMark Time Spy CPU
10,821
13,869
(+28.17%)
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
2,630
(+2.94%)
2,555
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
341
(+24%)
275
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
--
11,856
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
--
2,478
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
--
27,731
CPU Mark Single-Thread
--
3,951
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecRyzen 5 9600XCore i5-12600K
ManufacturerAMDIntel
FoundryTSMCIntel
Process Size4 nm10 nm
Transistors8,315 million--

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecRyzen 5 9600XCore i5-12600K
SeriesRyzen 5Core i5
MicroarchitectureZen 5Alder Lake-S
CodenameGranite RidgeAlder Lake-S
Memory SupportDDR5DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800
Memory ChannelsDual-channelDual-channel
ECC MemoryYesNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecRyzen 5 9600XCore i5-12600K
Cores610
Threads1216
Performance Cores (P-cores)--6
Efficient Cores (E-cores)--4
Clock Speed3.9 GHz3.7 GHz
Turbo Clock5.4 GHz4.9 GHz
P-core Clock--3.7 GHz
P-core Turbo Clock--4.9 GHz
E-core Clock Speed--2.8 GHz
E-core Turbo Clock--3.6 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier39.0x37.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYesYes

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecRyzen 5 9600XCore i5-12600K
L1 Cache80 KB80 KB
L2 Cache1 MB1.25 MB
L3 Cache32 MB20 MB
E-core L1 Cache--96 KB
E-core L2 Cache--2 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecRyzen 5 9600XCore i5-12600K
SocketAMD Socket AM5Intel Socket 1700
PCI ExpressPCIe 5.0 x24PCIe 4.0 x20
Thermal Design Power (TDP)65 W125 W
Power Limit 1 (PL1)--150 W
Power Limit 2 (PL2)--150 W
Package Power Tracking (PPT)88 W--
Tcase Max--72 °C
TJ Max95 °C100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecRyzen 5 9600XCore i5-12600K
Integrated GraphicsRadeon GraphicsUHD Graphics 770
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, BMI1, BMI2, SHA, F16C, FMA3, AMD64, EVP, AMD-V, SMAP, SMEP, SMT, Precision Boost 2MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, SHA, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX, RdRand, TBT 2.0

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.