Core i5-12600K against Core i5-12600KF
Level on the overall index; the details below decide it. Typical prices, not live ones.
The verdict
- Core i5-12600K and Core i5-12600KF are level on gaming.
- Core i5-12600K and Core i5-12600KF are level on multi-core.
- Core i5-12600K and Core i5-12600KF are level on single-core.
- The Core i5-12600KF typically costs $20 less.
- Per dollar, the Core i5-12600KF is the better buy: 36.1 points per $100 against 32.3.
Head to head
| Measure | Core i5-12600K | Core i5-12600KF | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spec score | 61 | 61 | level |
| Gaming | 61 | 61 | level |
| Multi-core | 43 | 43 | level |
| Single-core | 79 | 79 | level |
| Value, points per $100 | 32.3 | 36.1 | 12%right |
| Typical price | $189 | $169 | $20right |
| Cores | 10 | 10 | level |
| Threads | 16 | 16 | level |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz | level |
| Turbo power | 150 W | 150 W | level |
Which one for what
| Use | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office & everyday | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| Coding & development | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| Light gaming | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| Gaming | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| Heavy gaming | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| Content creation | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| 3D & rendering | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| Gaming & streaming | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
| AI & local models | Either | Within 0 points; buy on price. |
Specifications
| Spec | Core i5-12600K | Core i5-12600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Alder Lake | Alder Lake |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| Cores / threads | 10 / 16 | 10 / 16 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| TDP / turbo power | 125 / 150 W | 125 / 150 W |
| Memory | DDR4 or DDR5 | DDR4 or DDR5 |
| Built-in graphics | Yes | No |
| Cooler in the box | No | No |
| Brand | Intel | Intel |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Typical price | $189 | $169 |