CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-12500 vs Intel Core i5-12600
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-12500 is a mainstream desktop processor launched in early 2022 as part of the 12th Gen Alder Lake-S lineup. Designed to offer a balanced mix of gaming and productivity performance, it features six Performance-cores (P-cores) and twelve threads, operating at a base clock of 3.0 GHz and boosting up to 4.6 GHz. Unlike the i5-12490F, this model includes Intel UHD Graphics 770, providing display output capabilities without a dedicated GPU. It is built on Intel's 10 nm process and fits the LGA 1700 socket. With a base TDP of 65 W, it offers excellent power efficiency for budget and mid-range builds. The processor comes with 18 MB of L3 cache and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. This CPU targets users who want solid multi-threaded performance for daily tasks, light content creation, and 1080p gaming without breaking the bank.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Smooth multitasking for office and web applications.
Smooth handling of daily applications and multitasking.
Gaming
Great gaming performance, similar to 12490F but with iGPU.
Slightly better gaming performance than 12500 due to higher clocks.
Virtualization
Good for basic virtualization needs.
Suitable for basic virtual machine setups.
Efficiency
Excellent performance per watt.
Maintains 65W base power while offering 4.8GHz boosts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- CPU-based inference only
- No dedicated AI accelerators
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference only
Content Creation
Gaming
- Solid 1080p framerates
- UHD 770 serves as a backup
- High boost clocks
- High boost clock benefits gaming
- Good 1440p CPU
- Includes iGPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Integrated UHD 770 graphics
- Strong single-core performance
- Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
- 65W base TDP
- Good value for money
Cons
- No E-cores
- Locked multiplier
- Stock cooler may struggle under sustained load
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 i5-12500
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better value if you already own a GPU.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Strong competitor with mature platform.
Better multi-core and overclocking capabilities.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Next-gen AM5 platform option.
Intel Core i5-12600
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-12500Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
Unlocked with E-cores for better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Strong budget competitor.
Our Verdict on Each
A well-rounded processor offering excellent price-to-performance with the added safety net of integrated graphics.
Best for: The Core i5-12500 is a stellar choice for mainstream users who want a capable system without paying the K-series premium. It provides excellent single-core performance for gaming and handles everyday productivity with ease. The integrated graphics mean you can build a system now and add a dedicated GPU later. If you strictly play games and already own a GPU, the i5-12400F might save you money. However, if you value the higher clock speeds and UHD 770 graphics, the 12500 is a well-rounded investment that won't bottleneck mid-range GPUs. Pair it with a B660 motherboard for optimal cost efficiency.
Read the full reviewA 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 reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-12500 or Intel Core i5-12600?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-12600 comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-12500 or Intel Core i5-12600?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-12600 leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i5-12500 and Intel Core i5-12600.
Do Intel Core i5-12500 and Intel Core i5-12600 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1700 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-12600 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-12500 (18,500), Intel Core i5-12600 (19,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.