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Core i5-12600K vs Core i5-14600K: Which is Better?

Nov 2021 Alder Lake vs Oct 2023 Raptor Lake Refresh

The verdict

Core i5-14600K wins

Core i5-14600K comes out ahead of Core i5-12600K on productivity, while the rest of the picture is more nuanced. Core i5-14600K is 29.6% faster than Core i5-12600K in multi-core productivity workloads. Performance-per-dollar is comparable. For most builders, Core i5-14600K is the more compelling pick across both gaming and productivity workloads.

Dimension-by-dimension

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Specifications

Spec Core i5-12600K Core i5-14600K
Cores 10 14
Threads 16 20
Boost clock 4.9 GHz 5.3 GHz
Base clock 3.7 GHz 3.5 GHz
TDP 125 W 125 W
L2 cache 9.5 MB 20 MB
L3 cache 20 MB 24 MB
MSRP $289 $319
Process node Intel 7 Intel 7
Socket LGA1700 LGA1700
Memory DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 DDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200
Launched Nov 2021 Oct 2023

Benchmarks

BenchmarkCore i5-12600KCore i5-14600K
  • Multi-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 nT
    −35.8%
    Core i5-12600K
    919
    Core i5-14600K
    1,432
  • Single-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 1T
    −9.9%
    Core i5-12600K
    109
    Core i5-14600K
    121
  • Multi-coreGeekbench 6
    −26.7%
    Core i5-12600K
    12,318
    Core i5-14600K
    16,812
  • Single-coreGeekbench 6
    −14.5%
    Core i5-12600K
    2,412
    Core i5-14600K
    2,820

Bars are normalized to the highest score in our catalog for each metric. Hover any row for the source attribution.

Price analysis

Core i5-12600K MSRP
$289
Difference
−$30

Core i5-14600K costs more.

Core i5-14600K MSRP
$319

Frequently asked

Is the Core i5-12600K better than the Core i5-14600K?
Core i5-14600K comes out ahead in our weighted scoring under default priorities (50% gaming, 50% productivity, 25% value, 25% efficiency). Use the comparison tool to weight by your own workload mix.
Which is better for gaming, the Core i5-12600K or the Core i5-14600K?
Core i5-14600K leads in gaming workloads by 12.2% over Core i5-12600K.
Which is faster for productivity, the Core i5-12600K or the Core i5-14600K?
Core i5-14600K is 29.6% faster than Core i5-12600K in multi-core productivity workloads.
What is the price difference between the Core i5-12600K and the Core i5-14600K?
The Core i5-14600K launched at $319, $30 more than the Core i5-12600K at $289.

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