Intel Core i7 11700K
Rated: 8/10
Intel Core i5 12600K
Rated: 9/10
Pros And Cons
| CPU | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5 12600K | ✅ Higher Overall Performance | ❌ Less Market Availability |
| Core i7 11700K | ✅ Better Performance in some Titles | ❌ Higher Price Point |
- According to our benchmarks, the i7 11700K and the i5 12600K have only minimal differences in overall gaming performance.
- The Core i7 11700K is around 38% more expensive than the older-generation Core i5 12600K in terms of their MSRP.
- We recommend the Core i5 12600K as it has higher overall gaming performance and a better cost-to-performance ratio. However, the Core i7 11700K is also a good choice for a better gaming experience, as we have seen in some titles, if budget is not a priority.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Core i7 11700K | Core i5 12600K |
|---|---|---|
| Core Architecture | Rocket Lake-S | Hybrid Core |
| No. of Cores | 8 | 6P, 4E = 10 |
| No. of Threads | 16 | 12P, 4E = 16 |
| MSRP | $399 | $289 |
| Launch Date | March 16, 2021 | November 4, 2021 |
| Best Motherboards | - | Best Core i5 12600K Motherboards |
| Best Coolers | - | Best Core i5 12600K Coolers |
Architectural Difference
- Processing Nodes: The Core i7 11700K uses a 14nm process node, while on the other hand, its contrapart, the i5 12600K, uses a process node of 10nm.
- Clock Speeds: The base clock speed of the newer i7 11700K is 3.6 GHz, while the boost clock speed is 5.0 GHz. The Core i5 12600K P-core speeds are 3.70 GHz and 4.9 GHz, respectively.
- TDP: The Core i5 12600K and the Core i7 11700K have the same thermal design power of 125 Watts.
Intel’s latest processors always steal the show, and though AMD offers tough competition, popular choices still favour Intel. But with Intel’s 13th-Gen out, it’s the perfect time to explore older options. That’s why we’re doing the Intel Core i7-11700K vs the i5-12600K. These processors might be a few generations behind, but they still pack a severe punch in the performance department.
Gaming Benchmarks – 1080p
When comparing the hardware, hands-on testing is crucial to go beyond specifications. Gaming benchmarks reveal real-world performance differences, helping identify the faster CPU. We used the following testing rig to perform these tests:
Testing Rig
- GPU: GeForce RTX 3090
- RAM: 16×2 GB Patriot Viper LED DDR4-3600
- PSU: XPG Core Reactor II 1200W
- CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D9L Chromax.Black
- OS: Windows 10 Pro
God Of War
- In God of War, our benchmarks show the Core i5 12600K delivering a slight edge by approximately 3.87% over the Core i7 11700K with an average of 161 FPS compared to 155 FPS.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Our tests revealed the 12600K outperforms the 11700K with an average of 146 FPS compared to 140 FPS. It is a 4.28% performance advantage for the 12600K, showing a growing performance gap between the two processors.
Hitman 3
- Surprisingly, our tests showed the Core i7 slightly outperforming the i5 with an average of 190 FPS compared to 188 FPS. This marks a 1.06% advantage for the i7, an unexpected result compared to other benchmarks.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
- In Microsoft Flight Simulator, we saw the 12600K pull ahead with an average of 104 FPS compared to the 98 FPS of the 11700K, with a performance boost of 6.12% for the i5.
Call of Duty: Warzone
- Our tests found the Core i7 coming out slightly ahead in Call of Duty: Warzone. It averaged 183 FPS compared to the Core i5’s 179 FPS. This is a narrow performance advantage of about 2.23%.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Our benchmarks show the i5-12600K edging out the i7-11700K with an average of 148 FPS compared to 146 FPS. While the performance gain is slight, the i5 is still around 1.36% faster in this test.
Witcher 3
- We tested the Intel Core i5-12600K and the Intel Core i7-11700K in The Witcher 3. The 12600K took the lead, delivering an average of 215 FPS compared to the 11700K’s 201 FPS. This means the i5 offers a roughly 7% performance boost.
Overall Gaming Performance
| Feature | Core i5 12600K | Core i7 11700K |
|---|---|---|
| Average FPS | 📈 163 | 📈 159 |
| Winner: Intel Core i5 12600K | ||
We revealed a close race between the Core i5 12600K and the Core i7 11700K. However, the 12600K consistently edged out its rival, demonstrating a 2.5% average performance advantage.
Price And Value
| GPU | MSRP | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5 12600K | 💲289 | 💲245 |
| Core i7 11700K | 💲399 | 💲269 |
| Difference | 38% | 9.8% |
The Core i5 12600K emerges as the strong contender, offering better performance and cheaper value than the Core i7 11700K. While the price gap has narrowed somewhat recently, the i5 12600K remains the more budget-friendly while delivering slightly better performance.
Intel i5 12600K Vs i7 11700K: Which One We Recommend?
Core i5 12600K: It offers higher gaming performance and frame rates than the Core i7 11700K. It also has a better price, which means it will cost you less and not hurt your pocket.
Core i7 11700K: While the i5 gave higher frame rates, the Core i7 11700K also leads against it in some games we tested. It has almost the same performance as the i5 but has a dollar-to-performance ratio.
The Core i5 is the best value for money compared to the Core i7. However, the winner in the Core i5 12600K vs the Core i7 11700K depends on one’s requirements, budget, and specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they use different sockets (LGA 1700 for the i5-12600K, LGA 1200 for the i7-11700K).
Yes, both are “K” variants designed for overclocking.
Unlikely, they’re powerful enough for most modern GPUs.
More from i5 12600K:
More from i7 11700K:
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
As a writer, Abdemanaf is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends, enabling him to provide readers with the most relevant and accurate information. He is always eager to learn more and is constantly seeking new challenges to improve his skills.
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