Core i5-12600

Core i5-12600 Specifications

The Core i5-12600 is built on the Alder Lake architecture and manufactured using the 10 nm process. It is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket and supports DDR4 / DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 4800 MT/s. This processor features 6 performance cores operating at a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz , and includes 12 threads. It also comes equipped with 7 MB of L2 cache and 18 MB of L3 cache.

This CPU has a moderate base TDP of 65 W and a maximum TDP of 117 W. Most mid-range aftermarket air coolers are sufficient for thermal control. This processor is also suitable for small form factor builds, which often have limited airflow.

For users who require integrated graphics, this CPU includes the UHD Graphics 770, which features 32 GPU cores. It operates at a base clock of 0.30 GHz and boosts up to 1.45 GHz. This makes it suitable for systems without a dedicated GPU, capable of handling everyday tasks and running older or less demanding games. Integrated graphics can also accelerate specific workloads even when a discrete GPU is installed.

Core i5-12600 Application Performance and Gaming Benchmark Analysis

Core i5-12600 is an entry-level CPU, achieving a relative application performance score of 35.51% of the best possible desktop CPU performance. This CPU handles daily computing, coding, light gaming, productivity, and basic multitasking. Due to its lower relative application performance, it is not recommended for heavy workloads or professional-grade applications.

The application performance-per-price ratio of Core i5-12600 is 39.6%, indicating lower value in this category. This CPU does not offer high application performance and has a low performance-to-price ratio, making it a poor value proposition. There are better alternatives available in this price range.

Core i5-12600 is an entry-level gaming CPU, achieving a relative gaming performance score at 1080p resolution of 64.41% of the best possible desktop CPU gaming performance. While gaming performance is limited when paired with top-tier graphics cards, such pairings are uncommon in this category. When combined with an appropriate entry-level GPU, this CPU does not cause significant performance loss, as the GPU generally becomes the primary limiting factor.

With a gaming performance-per-price score of 39.7%, this CPU does not offer strong value in this category. As this CPU does not deliver top-tier gaming performance and also has a low gaming performance-to-price ratio, it represents poor value. More competitive options are available at a similar price point.