Performance
Core i5-2500K
6,57118% of 36,991
Core i5-12600K281% better
25,01768% of 36,991
The Core i5-12600K has 281% better performance than the Core i5-2500K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
Performance per dollar
Core i5-2500K
30.4225% of 121.53
Core i5-12600K185% better
86.5671% of 121.53
The Core i5-12600K has 185% better value for the money than the Core i5-2500K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
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Summary
#
About the Intel Core i5-2500K CPU
The Intel Core i5-2500K is an end-of-life 4-core (4-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q1 2011 with a suggested retail price of $216. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The i5-2500K is compatible with Intel Socket 1155 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics solution.
Memory and Cache
The Core i5-2500K supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-2500K has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 6 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i5-2500K features 4 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.3 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.7 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 i5-2500K includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 3000. 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 i5-2500K has the 363rd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 17.76% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 6,571 score and $216 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 30.42. This is the 118th 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.
| Info | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Series | Core i5 | Core i5 |
| Market Segment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Release Date | Q1 2011 | Q4 2021 |
| Launch Price (MSRP) | $216 | $289 |
| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |
| Shop | Check Price | Check Price |
Benchmark Performance
#
Performance
Core i5-2500K
6,57118% of 36,991
Core i5-12600K281% better
25,01768% of 36,991
The Core i5-12600K has 281% better performance than the Core i5-2500K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i5-2500K is ranked 363rd with a score of 6,571, and the Core i5-12600K is ranked 26th with a score of 25,017.
Performance per dollar
Core i5-2500K
30.4225% of 121.53
Core i5-12600K185% better
86.5671% of 121.53
The Core i5-12600K has 185% better value for the money than the Core i5-2500K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i5-2500K is ranked 118th with a performance per dollar of 30.42, 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:Core i5-2500K or
| CPU | Benchmark Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 25,717 | +291% |
| Ryzen 9 5950X | 25,154.5 | +283% |
| Core i5-12600K | 25,017 | +281% |
| Core i7-12700K | 24,947 | +280% |
| Core i9-12900 | 24,314 | +270% |
| Core i5-3550 | 6,593 | +0% |
| Ryzen 3 1300X | 6,579 | +0% |
| Core i5-2500K | 6,571 | |
| Core i5-4460 | 6,499 | -1% |
| Core i5-6400 | 6,283 | -4% |
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:Core i5-2500K or
| CPU | Performance Per Dollar | |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 7700 | 94.06 | +209% |
| Ryzen 5 9600X | 92.18 | +203% |
| Core i5-12600K | 86.56 | +185% |
| Ryzen 5 7600X | 86.06 | +183% |
| Ryzen 7 9700X | 85.67 | +182% |
| Core i7-6700 | 32.45 | +7% |
| Core i5-6600K | 32.04 | +5% |
| Core i5-2500K | 30.42 | |
| Core i5-3470 | 30.3 | -0% |
| Core i7-3770K | 29.45 | -3% |
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
| Benchmark | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 Performance Physics | 6,571 | 25,017 (+280.72%) |
| 3DMark Time Spy CPU | -- | 13,869 |
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | 470 | 2,555 (+443.62%) |
| Cinebench R15 Single-Core | 122 | 275 (+125.41%) |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core | 1,930 | 11,856 (+514.3%) |
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core | 655 | 2,478 (+278.32%) |
| CPU Mark Multi-Thread | 4,119 | 27,731 (+573.25%) |
| CPU Mark Single-Thread | 1,698 | 3,951 (+132.69%) |
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.
| Spec | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Foundry | Intel | Intel |
| Process Size | 32 nm | 10 nm |
| Transistors | 1,160 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.
| Spec | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Core i5 | Core i5 |
| Microarchitecture | Sandy Bridge | Alder Lake-S |
| Codename | Sandy Bridge | Alder Lake-S |
| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 |
| Memory Channels | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
| ECC Memory | No | No |
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.
| Spec | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 10 |
| Threads | 4 | 16 |
| Performance Cores (P-cores) | -- | 6 |
| Efficient Cores (E-cores) | -- | 4 |
| Clock Speed | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Turbo Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.9 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 Clock | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 33.0x | 37.0x |
| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
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.
| Spec | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| L1 Cache | 64 KB | 80 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 1.25 MB |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB | 20 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.
| Spec | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | Intel Socket 1155 | Intel Socket 1700 |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x20 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 95 W | 125 W |
| Power Limit 1 (PL1) | -- | 150 W |
| Power Limit 2 (PL2) | -- | 150 W |
| Tcase Max | -- | 72 °C |
| TJ Max | 72.6 °C | 100 °C |
Graphics, Features, & Extensions
Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.
| Spec | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 3000 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Extensions / Technologies | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, AES-NI | MMX, 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.