The Intel i5-12600K and the Intel i5-12400F are likely to come up when you choose a CPU for your next mid-range PC build. Both CPUs are part of Intel’s 11th Gen “Rocket Lake” line, but there are some key differences between them, making one a better choice for certain types of builds and uses.
The Intel i5-12600K is a “K” version, which can be unlocked and sped up. Its base clock speed is 3.9GHz, and its boost clock speed is 4.9GHz. It also has 12 threads on 6 cores. This makes it a great choice for gamers and content creators to handle demanding tasks and games at high settings.
The Intel i5-12400F, on the other hand, is an “F” version, which means it does not have a GPU built in. Its base clock speed is 2.9GHz, and its boost clock speed is 4.4GHz. It also has 12 threads on 6 cores. This CPU is a good choice for people who want a cheap CPU that can handle daily tasks and some light gaming.
The Intel i5-12600K is the better CPU for how fast it works. It has a faster base clock speed and boosts clock speed. That means it can handle more demanding tasks and games in higher settings. It’s also unlocked, which makes it easy to overclock, which boosts its performance even more.
SEE ALSO: M2 Pro vs M1 Pro MacBook Pro: A Benchmark Comparison
The Intel i5-12400F is still a good CPU, though. It has the same cores and threads as the i5-12600K. That translates as it can easily handle everyday tasks and some light gaming. It’s also a good choice for people on a tight budget because it’s not too expensive.
Intel i5-12600K vs i5-12400F Benchmarks
After looking at the benchmark results of Intel Core i5-12600K vs Intel Core i5-12400F, the results are very clear. The Intel Core i5-12600K is the more powerful CPU because it always gets higher scores in both single-core and multi-core tests.
For example, the Core i5-12600K scores 11% higher in single-core tests and 44% higher in multi-core tests in Cinebench R23. The Core i5-12600K scores 12% higher on single-core tests and 41% higher on multi-core tests in the Passmark CPU test. And in Geekbench 5, the Core i5-12600K gets 18% better scores for single-core tests and 37% better scores for multi-core tests.
| Benchmark | Core i5 12600K | Core i5 12400F |
|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 (Single-Core) | 1891 | 1708 |
| Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) | 17433 | 12138 |
| Passmark CPU (Single-Core) | 3998 | 3565 |
| Passmark CPU (Multi-Core) | 28041 | 19911 |
| Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | 1930 | 1642 |
| Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) | 11762 | 8604 |
Gamers and content creators who want a CPU that can handle demanding tasks and games at high settings should go with the Intel i5-12600K. The Intel i5-12400F, on the other hand, is a great choice for people who want a cheap CPU that can handle everyday tasks and some light gaming.
