GizWires logo
GizWires logo

Follow Us

CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i5-12600

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8700 is a highly regarded mainstream desktop processor that brought six-core computing to the masses. Launched as part of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it features six cores and twelve threads, representing a 50% increase in core count over the previous 7th Gen quad-core i7 models. Operating at a base clock of 3.2 GHz with a max turbo of 4.6 GHz, it delivers exceptional performance for both gaming and multi-threaded productivity tasks. Its 65-watt TDP ensures it runs efficiently and coolly under typical loads. The processor includes Intel UHD Graphics 630, providing a safety net for systems without a dedicated GPU. It struck a perfect balance between price and performance, becoming the go-to recommendation for gamers and content creators who didn't need the unlocked overclocking features of the i7-8700K. Its robust multi-threading capabilities make it highly capable of handling modern workloads, including video editing and heavy multitasking.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8700
6C / 12T4.6 GHz65 W
9
Full review
Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-12600
6C / 12T4.8 GHz65 W
8.8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
12th Gen
Launched
2017
2022
Status
End-of-life
Active
Codename
Coffee Lake
Alder Lake-S
Series
Core i7
Core i5
Family
8th Generation
12th Generation Alder Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-7700
Core i5-11600
Successor
Intel Core i7-9700
Core i5-13600

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.3 GHz
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
4.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
18 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Coffee Lake
Alder Lake-S
Process Node
14nm
10nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4, DDR5
Memory Speed
2666 MT/s
DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
LGA 1700
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 5.0, PCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes
16
20
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-8700Best90

12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.

Intel Core i5-1260082

Smooth handling of daily applications and multitasking.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-870088

Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.

Intel Core i5-1260088

Slightly better gaming performance than 12500 due to higher clocks.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-8700Best88

Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.

Intel Core i5-1260075

Suitable for basic virtual machine setups.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-870088

Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.

Intel Core i5-12600Best90

Maintains 65W base power while offering 4.8GHz boosts.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Intel Core i5-12600Limited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • CPU inference only

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8700Very Good
Adobe SuiteDaVinci ResolveBlenderUnreal Engine
Intel Core i5-12600Good
LightroomPhotoshopPremiere Pro

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8700Excellent
  • Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
  • High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
  • Great for 144Hz gaming
Intel Core i5-12600Excellent
  • High boost clock benefits gaming
  • Good 1440p CPU
  • Includes iGPU

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
High
Workstations
High
Moderate
Content Creation
High
Moderate
Virtualization
High
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

1440p Gaming
Excellent
Very Good
1080p Video Editing
Excellent
Streaming
Very Good
Programming
Excellent
4K Gaming (with high-end GPU)
Good
Office Productivity
Excellent
Coding Compiling
Very Good
Photo Editing
Very Good
Heavy Multitasking
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-8700

Pros

  • Excellent price-to-performance
  • 6 cores / 12 threads
  • 4.6 GHz turbo boost
  • Easy to cool

Cons

  • Locked multiplier
  • Older 14nm process
  • Limited to PCIe 3.0
  • Platform is dead (LGA 1151)
Intel Core i5-12600

Pros

  • High 4.8GHz boost clock
  • Integrated UHD 770 graphics
  • DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support
  • Good single-core performance
  • 65W base TDP

Cons

  • Locked multiplier
  • Lacks E-cores
  • Slightly more expensive than 12400

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-8700

Intel Core i5-12600

Our Verdict on Each

One of the best value desktop processors of its generation, offering 95% of the i7-8700K's performance at a lower price and power draw.

Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system for high-refresh gaming.

Read the full review

A slight step up from the 12500, offering higher clock speeds for a noticeable bump in single-core performance.

Best for: The Core i5-12600 is an excellent buy for users seeking strong out-of-the-box performance without overclocking. Its higher base and boost clocks over the i5-12500 make it slightly better for gaming. If you need integrated graphics for troubleshooting or basic display tasks, this CPU covers you. However, if you plan to buy a dedicated GPU immediately and want to save money, the i5-12400F is a better value. However, if you value the higher clock speeds and UHD 770 graphics, the 12600 is a well-rounded investment that won't bottleneck mid-range GPUs. Pair it with a B660 motherboard for optimal cost efficiency and features.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700 or Intel Core i5-12600?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

Do Intel Core i7-8700 and Intel Core i5-12600 use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i5-12600: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i5-12600 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700 (15,000), Intel Core i5-12600 (19,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.