Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core i5-12600K: comparison
Comparison of Intel Core i9-12900K and Intel Core i5-12600K: key differences and a full specification table.
Key differences
Intel Core i9-12900K has more cores (16 vs 10), more threads (24 vs 16), a higher maximum clock (5.2 GHz vs 4.9 GHz) and a larger L3 cache (30 MB vs 20 MB).
Both processors match on: maximum memory size (128 GB), memory channels (2), PCIe version (5).
These are specification values: they show differences between the models but do not determine a performance winner. For a specific workload, rely on independent benchmarks.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 16 / 24 | 10 / 16 |
| Max boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| L3 cache | 30 MB | 20 MB |
| Process | Intel 7 | Intel 7 |
| Integrated graphics | UHD-графика Intel 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
Full specification table
Differing values are highlighted. This is not a better/worse rating: numbers from different architectures are not always comparable.
| Parameter | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core i5-12600K |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Model | i9-12900K | i5-12600K |
| Codename | Alder Lake | Alder Lake |
| Segment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Product line | Процессоры Intel Core i9 12-го поколения | 12th Generation Intel Core i5 Processors |
| Process | Intel 7 | Intel 7 |
| Launch date | Q4 2021 | Q4 2021 |
| Status | Launched | Launched |
| Embedded options available | No | No |
| Use conditions | PC/Client/Tablet, Workstation | PC/Client/Tablet, Workstation |
| CPU | ||
| Cores | 16 | 10 |
| Threads | 24 | 16 |
| Multithreading (SMT/HT) | Yes | Yes |
| Performance cores | 8 | 6 |
| Efficient cores | 8 | 4 |
| Max boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| P-core base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| P-core max turbo | 5.1 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| E-core base clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.8 GHz |
| E-core max turbo | 3.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency | 5.2 GHz | — |
| L2 cache | 14 MB | 9.5 MB |
| L3 cache | 30 MB | 20 MB |
| Processor base power | 125 W | 125 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 241 W | 150 W |
| Turbo Boost | Yes (2) | Yes (2) |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| Instruction set width | 64 bit | 64 bit |
| Instruction set extensions | SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 | SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 |
| Memory | ||
| Max memory size | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory types | DDR5, DDR4 | DDR5, DDR4 |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max memory bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |
| ECC memory supported | Yes | Yes |
| Graphics | ||
| Integrated graphics | UHD-графика Intel 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Has integrated graphics | Yes | Yes |
| Graphics base frequency | 300 MHz | 300 MHz |
| Graphics max frequency | 1.55 GHz | 1.45 GHz |
| Graphics units | 32 | 32 |
| Max displays | 4 | 4 |
| Max resolution (DP) | 7680x4320@60Hz | 7680x4320@60Hz |
| Max resolution (HDMI) | 4096x2160@60Hz | 4096x2160@60Hz |
| Max resolution (eDP) | 5120x3200@120Hz | 5120x3200@120Hz |
| DirectX | 12 | 12 |
| OpenGL | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| OpenCL | 3 | 3 |
| Graphics device ID | 0x4680 | 0x4680 |
| Quick Sync Video | Yes | Yes |
| Clear Video HD | Yes | — |
| Graphics output | eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 | eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 |
| Multi-format codec engines | 2 | 2 |
| I/O and interfaces | ||
| PCI Express revision | 5 | 5 |
| PCI Express lanes | 20 | 20 |
| PCI Express configurations | Up to 1x16+4, 2x8+4 | Up to 1x16+4, 2x8+4 |
| Scalability | 1S Only | 1S Only |
| DMI revision | 4 | 4 |
| DMI lanes | 8 | 8 |
| Package and thermal | ||
| Sockets supported | FCLGA1700 | FCLGA1700 |
| Max CPU configuration | 1 | 1 |
| Package size | 45.0 mm x 37.5 mm | 45.0 mm x 37.5 mm |
| TJUNCTION | 100 °C | 100 °C |
| Thermal solution specification | PCG 2020A | PCG 2020A |
| Security and virtualization | ||
| Virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V) | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d) | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Page Tables (EPT) | Yes | Yes |
| AES-NI | Yes | Yes |
| Execute Disable Bit | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Trusted Execution Technology | Yes | — |
| Secure Key | Yes | Yes |
| Intel OS Guard | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Boot Guard | Yes | — |
| Mode-based Execute Control | Yes | — |
| Control-Flow Enforcement Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Total Memory Encryption | Yes | — |
| Total Memory Encryption Multi-Key | Yes | — |
| Threat Detection Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Stable IT Platform Program | Yes | — |
| vPro Eligibility | Intel vPro Enterprise | Intel vPro Enterprise |
| Active Management Technology | Yes | — |
| Standard Manageability | Yes | Yes |
| One-Click Recovery | Yes | — |
| Hardware Shield Eligibility | Yes | — |
| Virtualization with Redirect Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Technologies | ||
| Enhanced SpeedStep | Yes | Yes |
| Idle States | Yes | Yes |
| Thermal Monitoring Technologies | Yes | Yes |
| Deep Learning Boost | Yes | Yes |
| Volume Management Device | Yes | Yes |
| Turbo Boost Max 3.0 | Yes | — |
| Thread Director | Yes | Yes |
| Speed Shift Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Optane Memory Supported | Yes | Yes |
| Gaussian & Neural Accelerator | Yes (3) | Yes (3) |