Intel CPUs are the most popular computer processors in the world. Intel has recently unveiled its 13th generation of processors. The 13600K is the core i5 processor of this latest generation, while the 12700K is the core i7 processor of Intel’s penultimate (12th) generation. The objective of this guide is core i7-12700K vs. i5-13600K.
Both CPUs are ideal for daily use and have remarkable performance in demanding tasks and gaming. This guide will go through all the characteristics and facets of these two CPUs that can assist you in finding the better one. To commence the guide, let’s talk about the specifications of two processors. Also, you might want to check out our guide on Intel i7-13700K vs i7-12700K.
Key Takeaways
- The core i5-13600K has twice as many efficiency cores as the i7-12700K, and Intel i7-12700K has more performance cores. Overall, the Intel i5-13600K has more total cores than the core i7-12700K.
- While the base frequencies of cores of i7-12700K are higher, the Intel i5-13600K appears with higher boost frequencies.
- The two processors’ gaming performance is excellent and comparable. Though, the average interpretation continues to favor the core i5-13600K.
- In core i7-12700K vs. core i5-13600K, the Intel i5-13600K offers a more acceptable deal for the money.
Intel Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K was unleashed by Intel in Q4’21. The following features have been included in this CPU by Intel.
General Specs
- Architecture: Alder Lake
- Socket Supported: FCLGA1700
- Codename: Products formerly Alder Lake
- Lithography: Intel 7
- Total Cores: 12
- No. of Performance-cores: 8
- No. of Efficient-cores: 4
- Total Threads: 20
- Processor size: 45.0 mm x 37.5 mm
- Performance-core Base Frequency: 3.60 GHz
- Efficient-core Base Frequency: 2.70 GHz
- Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency: 4.90 GHz
- Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency: 3.80 GHz
- CPU Max Turbo Frequency: 5.00 GHz
- Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency: 5.00 GHz
- Cache: 25 MB Intel® Smart Cache
- Total L2 Cache: 12 MB
- Die Size: 215.25 mm²
- Instruction Set: 64-bit
- Instruction Set Extensions: Intel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX2
- Intel® Gaussian & Neural Accelerator: 3.0
- Maximum Junction Temperature: 100°C
- Thermal Solution Specification PCG: 2020A
- Processor Base Power 125 W
- Maximum Turbo Power 190 W
- Direct Media Interface (DMI) Revision: 4.0
- Total no. of DMI Lanes: 8
- Scalability: 1S Only
- PCI Express Revision: 5.0 and 4.0
- PCI Express Configurations: Up to 1×16+4, 2×8+4
- Maximum no. of PCI Express Lanes: 20
Memory Specs
- Supported type: Both DDR5 and DDR4
- Max Memory Size: 128 GB (May vary with memory type)
- Memory Speed:
- Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s
- Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s
- Total no. of Memory Channels 2
- Maximum Memory Bandwidth: 76.8 GB/s
- ECC Memory Supported: Yes
Graphics specs
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- Graphics Model: Intel® UHD Graphics 770
- Execution Units: 32
- GPU Base clock: 300 MHz
- GPU Max Dynamic clock: 1.50 GHz
- Multi-Format Codec Engines: 2
- Total no. of Displays Supported: 4
- DirectX* Support: 12
- Graphics Output: eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1
- Max Resolution (HDMI): 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz
- Max Resolution (DP): 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel): 5120 x 3200 @ 120Hz
Intel Core i5-13600K
In Q4 of 2022, Intel released the Core i5-13600K. Intel has incorporated the following characteristics into this CPU.
General Specs
- Architecture: Raptor Lake
- Socket Supported: FCLGA1700
- Codename: Products formerly Raptor Lake
- Lithography: Intel 7
- Total Cores: 14
- No. of Performance-cores: 6
- No. of Efficient-cores: 8
- Total Threads: 20
- Performance-core Base Frequency: 3.50 GHz
- Efficient-core Base Frequency: 2.60 GHz
- Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency: 5.10 GHz
- Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency: 3.90 GHz
- Max Turbo Frequency: 5.10 GHz
- Cache: 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache
- Total L2 Cache: 20 MB
- Die Size: 257 mm²
- Instruction Set: 64-bit
- Instruction Set Extensions: Intel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX2
- Intel® Gaussian & Neural Accelerator: 3.0
- Maximum Junction Temperature: 100°C
- Processor Base Power 125 W
- Maximum Turbo Power 181 W
- Direct Media Interface (DMI) Revision: 4.0
- Total no. of DMI Lanes: 8
- Scalability: 1S Only
- PCI Express Revision: 5.0 and 4.0
- PCI Express Configurations: Up to 1×16+4, 2×8+4
- Maximum no. of PCI Express Lanes: 20
Memory Specs
- Supported type: Both DDR5 and DDR4
- Max Memory Size: 128 GB (May vary with memory type)
- Memory Speed:
- Up to DDR5 5600 MT/s
- Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s
- Total no. of Memory Channels 2
- Maximum Memory Bandwidth: 89.6 GB/s
- ECC Memory Supported: Yes
Integrated Graphics
- Integrated Graphics: Yes
- Graphics Model: Intel® UHD Graphics 770
- Execution Units: 32
- GPU Base clock: 300 MHz
- GPU Max Dynamic clock: 1.50 GHz
- Multi-Format Codec Engines: 2
- Total no. of Displays Supported: 4
- DirectX* Support: 12
- Graphics Output: eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1
- Max Resolution (HDMI): 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz
- Max Resolution (DP): 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel): 5120 x 3200 @ 120Hz
Intel Core i7-12700K Vs. i5-13600K
Technical Differences
| Feature | Intel core i7-12700K | Intel core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Alder Lake | Raptor Lake |
| Cores | P-cores: 8 E-cores: 4 Total cores: 12 | P-cores: 6 E-cores: 8 Total cores: 14 |
| Clock speed P-cores | Base frequency: 3.60 GHz Turbo frequency: 4.90 GHz | Base frequency: 3.50 GHz Turbo frequency: 5.10 GHz |
| Clock speed E-cores | Base frequency: 2.70 GHz Turbo frequency: 3.80 GHz | Base frequency: 2.60 GHz Turbo frequency: 3.90 GHz |
| CPU max Turbo Clock | 5.00 GHz Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency: 5.00 GHZ | 5.10 GHz Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency: Not supported |
| Die Size | 215.25 mm² | 257 mm² |
| Memory | Memory Speed: Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s Memory Bandwidth: 76.8 GB/s | Memory Speed: Up to DDR5 5600 MT/s Memory Bandwidth: 89.6 GB/s |
| Caches Size | L2 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache(L3): 25 MB | L2 cache: 20 MB Intel® Smart Cache(L3): 24 MB |
| TDP | Base power: 125 W Turbo power: 190 W | Base power: 125 W Turbo power: 181 W |
Architecture (Alder Lake Vs. Raptor Lake)
When comparing the features of core i7-12700K vs. core i5-13600K, the architectures of processors are particularly important. The core i7-12700K has a hybrid architecture known as “Alder Lake” that is the predecessor of the latest “Raptor Lake” included in core i5-13600K.
The 12th generation of Intel was the company’s first to include a hybrid microarchitecture, the Alder Lake, which debuted near the end of 2021. It was created to give both high performance and a high power economy with an emphasis on providing the greatest overall experience for various workloads. The microarchitecture incorporates a variety of fresh and cutting-edge technologies, such as the latest CPU core design, memory controller, and I/O architecture.
According to Intel, Raptor Lake is a significant improvement over Alder Lake. With up to 24 cores and 32 threads, Raptor Lake is based on new 10nm manufacturing technology. The new architecture, specially made for high-demand applications and gaming, is claimed to provide a substantial performance gain. It is also claimed that Raptor Lake is far more power-efficient than its forerunners, enabling it to deliver even better performance per watt.
Memory
Intel core i5-13600K and core i7-12700K both support DDR4 and DDR5 memories. Both have the same 128 GB memory capacity. However, there are differences in bandwidth, maximum memory speeds, and some technologies supported.
The maximum speed at which the DDR5 memory of core i7-12700K is 4800 MT/s while that speed is 5600 MT/s in the case of the latest generation processor, the core i5-13600K. So, the core i5-13600K can perform more mega transfers (Million Transfers) each second.
The memory bandwidth of core i5-13600K is also greater. The core i7-12700K’s bandwidth is 76.8 GB/s, while that of core i5-13600K is 89.6 GB/s.
Also Read: Intel i7-12700K vs Intel i7-11700K
Another difference is about Intel® Optane™ Memory. The core i7-12700K supports Optane™ Memory of Intel, while the core i5-13600K does not support that. But still, the overall performance of core i5-13600K’s memory is better than that of core i7-12700K.
Productivity Tests (Core i7-12700K Vs. i5-13600K)
When it comes to productivity, we are interested in knowing how well CPUs perform in demanding applications and jobs. We have discussed the performance of these two processors in such challenging tasks. We collected the benchmarks of productivity from Benchmark PC Tech and HWBen.
Video Encoding
We convert videos from one format to another when we encode them. Here, we’ve covered two sorts of video encoding. This encoding test will assist video encoders in determining if the i5-13600K or i7-12700K is the preferable option.
X265
The x265 kind of encoding helps us to store more data with a higher resolution with minimal storage use. It is also known as High-Efficiency Video Encoding.
To complete the x265 encoding process, the time taken by core i7-12700K was 583 seconds, while the core i5-13600K met the same process in 528 seconds. By saving 55 seconds of priceless time, the Intel core i5-13600K outperformed the i7-12700K in High-Efficiency Video Encoding.
X264
The core i7-12700K needed 283 seconds to finish the x264 encoding operation, whereas the core i5-13600K required 272 seconds for that. It takes relatively less time to encode x264 video because it is less demanding than x265 in terms of processing time. The core i5-13600K again outscored the core i7-12700K by 11 seconds.
Compression
To compare the compression rates of the two processors, the 7-Zip file archiver was used. For compression rates, the MIPS unit is used. It stands for million operations per second.
The compression rate of Intel core i5-13600K was 128 MIPS, while this was only 114.4 for core i7-12700K. The core i5-13600K has a substantially greater compression rate. In exact figures, the core i5-13660K performed 12% better than i712700K.
Encryption
In the encryption process, private information and data are protected using secret codes. Software with the Veracrypt moniker was used to test the efficiency of two CPUs in the encryption process.
These two processors’ encryption performance results are nearly similar. The rate of the i7-12700K was 17.3 GB/s, while the core i5-13600K was doing encryption at 18.1 GB/s. Even if the two encryption speeds are not very different, the one performing quicker is the core i5-13600K.
Adobe Photoshop & Aftereffects
This benchmark can assist photographers in better selection between these 2 CPUs. Adobe Aftereffects is employed in combining motion pictures, visual effects, and animations, while picture editing, product design, image repairing, and glossy paints are all done with Adobe Photoshop.
The core i7-12700 K’s performance made it achieve scores of 1257 and 1398 in Adobe After Effects 2022 and Adobe Photoshop 2022, respectively. On the other hand, the core i5-13600K scored 1389 in Adobe Photoshop 2022 and 1269 in Adobe After Effects 2022.
The performance of core i7-12700K was better in Adobe Photoshop 2022, while the core i5-13600K served better in Adobe After Effects 2022.
Chromium Code Compile
In Chromium Code Compile, the times taken by core i7-12700K vs. core i5-13600K were 3643 and 4223 seconds, respectively. These higher times indicate that the Intel core i5-13600K had ~16% slower functioning than i7-12700K in Chromium Code Compile.
Cinebench R23 Scores
The Cinebench R 23 displays the workload results that a processor achieved. The higher the scores in tests, the better the CPU.
The core i7-12700K has achieved 1950 scores compared to core i5-13600K which scored 1998 in the single-core test. The figures tell that the single core performance of core i5-13600K is superior.
In the multi-core test, the core i5-13600K and core i7-12700K achieved 23396 and 22788 scores, respectively. The core i5-13600K with higher scores is again the winner Cinebench R23 test of multi-core performance.
Gaming Benchmarks – 1440p (Core i7-12700K Vs. i5-13600K)
We piled the benchmarks of intensive games like God of War, Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Red Dead Redemption 2, Watch Dogs Legion, and Horizon Zero Dawn to evaluate the gaming performance of these two processors. These games were played at a beautiful 1440p resolution for benchmarks by Mike.
Test PC Specs
The PC used for playing the games had the following specs:
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
- Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk Gaming Motherboard (Read Motherboards For i7-12700k & Motherboards For i5-13600k)
- RAM: 2x16GB DDR4 3600MHz | DDR5 6200MHz (Read Ram For i7-12700k & Ram for i5-13600k)
- SSD: Samsung 980 EVO Plus SSD 1TB
- Liquid Cooler: Lian Li GA-360B Galahad AIO 360 RGB Black
- PSU: Cooler Master V850 SFX Gold Full Modular, 850W
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
While playing the graphically demanding Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, we analyzed the performance reading of two processors. The core i5-13600K was generating 83 frames each second at one point, while the core i7-12700K was producing 73 FPS.
The highest frame rate during Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was achieved by Intel core i5-13600K. The core i7-12700K had a maximum frame rate of 123 FPS, while a maximum frame rate equal to 205 FPS was delivered by the core i5-13600K.
Even though the core i5-13600K reached the highest FPS, it also approached the lowest FPS limit. The lowest frame rate of 43 FPS was produced by core i5-13600K. A minimum of 48 FPS was noted for core i7-12700K.
The most important frame rate is the average FPS. During the game, the average frame rate provided by core i7-12700K was 75 FPS. While the core i5-13600K produced an average of 85 FPS. The calculations say that the core i5-13600K performance was ~13.33% more admirable on average in gameplay.
The temperatures of core i5-13600K and i7-12700K were 61 °C and 60 °C while playing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The two temperatures are not much different and are not high. Both the processors were maintaining good temperatures.
If we count the load on processors, the core i5-13600K was working under a load of 23% while the core i7-12700K was working under a 15% CPU load. Compared to the core i7-12700K, the core i5-13600K was under 8% higher stress.
Cyberpunk 2077
When we examined the performance readings of two processors in Cyberpunk 2077, the core i5-13600K was yielding 90 frames per second, and the core i7-12700K was providing 85 FPS.
The maximum frame rate for the core i7-12700K was 145 FPS, whereas the maximum frame rate for the core i5-13600K was 141 FPS. Opposite to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, in Cyberpunk 2077, the Intel core i7-12700K achieved the highest frame rate in Cyberpunk 2077.
The core i5-13600K produced the frame rate with the lowest value of 45 FPS core i7-12700K was recorded at a minimum frame rate of 22. Thus, the core i7-12700K had a minimum frame rate in this game, while in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the core i5-13600K had a minimum FPS.
The core i7-12700K delivered an average frame rate of 86 FPS throughout the game. The core i5-13600K generated an average of 87 frames per second. In Cyberpunk 2077, the competition between the core i7-12700K vs. core i5-13600K was fierce, as evidenced by the difference of just one average frame rate.
The core i5-13600K was working under a load of 40%, while the core i7-12700K was working under a load of 34%. Once again, the core i5-13600K was working under a heavier load than the core i7-12700K.
Similar Guides: Core i5-13600k vs i5-12600k
While playing Cyberpunk 2077, the core i5-13600K had a temperature of 63 °C, and i7-12700K had a 65 °C temperature. Compared to the other CPU, the core i7-12700K was 2 degrees hotter.
God Of War
In God of War, the instantaneous FPS provided by core i7-12700K was higher than those of core i5-13600K. The momentous frame rate for the core i7-12700K was 105 FPS, which is 5 more than the core i5-13600K’s frame rate of 100 FPS.
The lowest value of frame rate was 48 FPS obtained from the core i5-13600K in God of War. The minimal FPS produced by core i7-12700K was 62, which is 17 FPS greater than the competitor. The condition was the opposite in the last game, where the core i7-12700K met the minimum FPS threshold.
In God of War, the Intel core i5-13600K had a maximum frame rate of 267 FPS, while the core i7-12700K had a maximum frame rate of 202 FPS. The core i5-13600K took a significant lead in terms of generating the highest FPS.
Throughout the entire playtime, the core i7-12700K produced an average frame rate of 99 FPS. The average frame rate produced by the core i5-13600K was 96 frames per second. The situation has completely turned around in God of War. This is the first game in which the Intel core i7-12700K is proving more profitable with average performance than the core i5-13600K.
The frame times taken by core i5-13600K and i7-12700K in this game were 9.8 and 9.3 milliseconds, respectively. Since the ideal frame time is always the minimum, so the performance of the core i7-12700K was better with the efficiency of 0.5 ms per frame.
The core i5-13600K was operating at 54% load, whereas core i7-12700K was operating at 56% load. The core i7-12700K was working harder than the core i5-13600K and had a 2% greater load on it.
If we mention the temperature, the core i5-13600K and i7-12700K had temperatures of 54 °C and 56 °C, respectively, while playing God of War. The core i7-12700K ran 2 degrees hotter again than the core i5-13600K. But it also delivered a better performance in this game juxtaposed to the superior working of core i5-13600K in Cyberpunk 2077.
Red Dead Redemption 2
The instantaneous frame rates (FPS) offered by the core i5-13600K were higher in Red Dead Redemption 2. The core i5-13600K had a significant instantaneous frame rate of 110 FPS, which is 17 frames per second more than the core i5-13600 K’s frame rate of 93 FPS.
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the core i7-12700K’s 33 FPS rate was the lowest recorded. The core i5-13600K had 57 minimum frames per second, which is 24 more frames per second than the rival.
The maximum frame rate for the Intel core i5-13600K was 399 FPS, while the maximum frame rate for the core i7-12700K was 194 FPS in RDR 2. In this game, the maximum FPS produced by the core i5-13600K was extraordinarily fantastic because it was more than twice as high as the maximum FPS produced by the core i7-12700K. The 399 FPS is best at a high resolution of 1440p.
The core i7-12700K provided an average frame rate of 101 FPS throughout RDR 2, while the core i5-13600K was capable of turning over 117 FPS average. When it came to producing more FPS, in Intel core i7-12700K vs. Intel core i5-13600K, the core i5-13600K wins the FPS competition with a lead of 17 average FPS or ~16.8% more useful rendition.
In RDR 2, the core i5-13600K and i7-12700K had temperatures of 59 °C and 52 °C, respectively. The core i7-12700K ran 7 degrees cooler than the core i7-12700K.
Read
The load on the core i5-13600K was 13%, while the load on the core i7-12700K was 9%. The very low load on both processors suggests that the CPU is not under as much stress in RDR 2.
Horizon Zero Dawn
During the gameplay of Horizon Zero Dawn, the core i7-12700K was pushing one more frame per second when we investigated the performance of two processors. The core i5-13600K was committing an instantaneous frame rate of 130 FPS, while the core i7-12700 K’s frame rate of 131 FPS.
In Horizon Zero Dawn, the lowest FPS rate by core i7-12700K was 70. A minimum frame rate of 67 was observed for the core i5-13600K, 3 less than the challenger. The minimum of both CPUs in this game is not very low, like the lowest in Cyberpunk 2077.
The Intel core i5-13600K could produce a max of 199 frames per second, but the core i7-12700K generated 208 frames per second at its max. In Horizon Zero Dawn, the results of minimal FPS readings are reversed in RDR 2. In RDR 2, the max FPS was provided by core i5-13600K while in the present game, core i7-12700K has attained max limits.
Throughout Horizon Zero Dawn, the core i7-12700K delivered an average frame rate of 131 FPS, while the core i5-13600K could produce an average of 128 FPS. This is the second game in which the average performance of core i7-12700K is superior.
The temperatures of the i5-13600K and i7-12700K cores in RDR 2 were 71 °C and 60 °C, respectively. Horizon Zero Dawn was harder on the core i5-13600K, as evidenced by its 11 °C higher temperature.
The core i5-13600K was under 45% load, whereas core i7-12700K was under 54% load. These CPU loads are relatively higher in Horizon Zero Dawn than in RDR 2.
Watch Dogs Legion
During the period of Watch Dogs Legions, when we assessed the performance of two CPUs, the core i5-13600K was driving 15 more frames per second than the core i7-12700K. The frame rates at the time were 103 FPS by core i5-13600K and 88 FPS by core i7-12700K.
The maximum frame rate for the Intel Core i5-13600K was 139 FPS, while it was 117 FPS for the core i7-12700K. The core i5-13600K was able to deliver the highest FPS in Watch Dogs Legions, however, in Horizon Zero Dawn, the core i7-12700K had reached maximum performance.
The lowest frame rate in Watch Dogs Legion was delivered by Intel core i7-12700K. The lowest FPS by core i7-12700K was 34, while the core i5-13600K was found to have a minimum frame rate of 48, 14 greater than the opponent. However, the 1% low FPS generated was 66 by i5-13600K and 68 by i7-12700K.
In terms of the average frame rate, the performance of core i5-13600K was almost 12% better than i7-12700K in this game. The core i5 13600K came up with an average frame rate of 101 FPS, while the average rate of 89 FPS was secured by the core i7-12700K. Again the results are the reverse of the previous game (Horizon Zero Dawn), in which core i7-12700K had a more satisfactory performance on average.
Also Check: i7-13700K Vs i5-13600K
The frame time of the two processors was significantly different in Watch Dogs Legion. The core i7-12700K was taking 12.5 ms per frame, while the core i5-13600K was delivering each frame in 8.2 ms. The core i5-13600K had a time efficiency of 4.4 milliseconds or ~52.5%.
In Watch Dogs Legion, the core i5-13600K and core i7-12700K had temperatures of 61 °C and 59 °C, respectively. The core i5-13600K has dropped its temperature by 10 °C from Horizon Zero Dawn to Watch Dogs Legion.
The load on both processors was quite similar in this gameplay. The core i5-13600K was managing 37% load, while there was 38% load on core i7-12700K.
Overall Gaming Performance (Core i7-12700K Vs. i5-13600K)
The best metrics for assessing the combined gaming performance of processors are frame rates and frame time. Here is a brief discussion of them.
Frame Rate
The mean of the standard, worst, and best frame rates for each graphics card in the games are important factors to consider when comparing the gaming performance of two GPUs. The graph displays the performance of two graphics cards in games whose benchmarks have already been discussed in this guide.
The core i7-12700K provided an average of 96.8 FPS, while the core i5-13600K delivered 102.5 average FPS. The average by core i5-13600K is nearly 6% finer than the opponent. However, the core i7-12700K had a different behavior in “God of War” and “Horizon Zero Dawn”. In these games, core i7-12700K contributed a more average frame rate.
The average minimum FPS is ~14.5% lower in the case of core i7-12700K. The lowest FPS average of core i7-12700K was 44.8, while core i5-13600K had 51.3 FPS at its average minimum.
If we talk about the average maximum FPS through all games, the core i5-13600K achieved a score of 225 FPS, while the core i7-12700K had an average maximum of 164.8 FPS. If we calculate the percentage lead, the core i5-13600K’s maximum FPS was ~36.5% higher than the average max of core i7-12700K. However, in some games, the maximum performance was the opposite core i7-12700K provided higher max FPS in “Horizon Zero Dawn” and “God of War”.
Frame Time
The average amount of frame time utilized determines the gaming efficiency of a CPU. It affects the game experience in various ways; for example, it affects reloading time, shooting targets, etc. Higher frame time can cause you to miss your target or may reload a gun lately.
The average frame time in all games calculated for core i5-13600K was 9.4 milliseconds, while the average frame came out to be 10.9 ms for core i7-12700K. Thus, the average time provided by core i7-12700K was 1.5 ms seconds smaller; thus, ~16% better performance was given by core i7-12700K in terms of the frame time.
CPU Load
Since the games demand greater performance from the GPU than the CPU, the CPU loads are lower in comparison to GPU loads. The average CPU loads are given in the following graph.
The average load on Intel core i5-13600K was higher in load comparison of Intel core i7-12700K vs. Intel core i5-13600K during games whose performance has already been reviewed.
The core i5-13600K had a load average of 29.83%, whilst the core i7-12700K had a load average of 27.67%. However, the load on core i7-12700K in Horizon Zero Dawn was more than that on core i5-13600K. A higher CPU load might result in higher power consumption, which can increase the price of your electricity bill.
Thermal Efficiency
The health of a CPU may be impacted when its temperature is greater over an extended period.
The overall temperature average of core i5-13600K was higher compared to core i7-12700K. The average temperature of core i7-12700K came out to be 58.7 °C which is 2.8 °C less than the average temperature of 61.5 °C for core i5-13600K. In “Cyberpunk 2077” and “God of War,” the core i7-12700K had the opposite behavior because it showed a higher temperature than core i5-13600K in these games.
Price & Availability
Intel approved the retail price of core i5-13600K to be $319.00 – $329.00 for customers, while the proposed price of core i7-12700K from Intel is $450.00 – $460.00. These are the launching processes of two processors.
However, if you go to the market right now, you can easily find a core i7-12700K for $350. At the same time, the current market price of Intel core i5-13600K is 320$, which is the same as recommended by Intel.
In terms of availability, both the Intel core i7-12700K and Intel core i5-13600K are readily available in both online and offline markets. You can order them directly from the Intel store, Amazon, eBay, etc.
Which One Should You Go For?
The rivalry of Intel core i7-12700K vs. Intel core i5-13600K was one of the toughest CPU competitions. Let’s summarise the features and performance of two CPUs.
The core i7-12700K has a more performance core, while the Intel i5-13600K has double efficiency cores. The total cores of core i5-13600K are more than those of core i7-12700K.
The base clock frequencies of P-cores and E-cores of Intel core i7-12700K are higher than core i5-13600K while at turbo frequencies, P and E cores operate oppositely. The overall turbo clock of core i5-13600K is higher than that of i7-12700K.
Both processors support DDR4 and DDR5 memories, but the memory speed and bandwidth of Intel i5-13600K are greater than i7-12700K. The core i7-12700K has the additional support of Intel® Optane™ Memory. The integrated graphics of both processors are Intel® UHD Graphics 770, which have 2 execution units and 0.3 GHz base and 1.5 GHz turbo frequencies.
Both CPUs have the same maximum junction temperature of 100 °C. The base thermal design powers of both CPUs are also the same at 125 watts. However, the max TDP of core i7-12700K is 190 watts compared to 181 watts of core i5-13600K.
In productivity tests, their performance was wonderful. The core i5-13600K had better results in video encoding, encryption, and compression. While the core i7-12700K performed nicely in Adobe Photoshop 2022 and Chromium Code Compile.
In gaming performance, the overall results were in favor of core i5-13600K. However, the performance of core i7-12700K was also fantastic.
After all this, we recommend you opt for the Intel core i5-13600K because it provides a greater performance/price ratio.
Next: Core i5-13600k vs Core i5-12600k
Common Questions Answered
The Intel core i5-13600K comes with a greater number of cores. Its 6 performance and 8 efficiency cores make a total of 14 cores, while core i7-12700K has 8 performance and 4 efficiency cores, making 12 cores overall.
These two processors have the same 128 GB storage, and they support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory types. However, the memory speed of DDR5 and bandwidth are greater for Intel core i5-13600K.
The Intel core i5-13600K performs better in videography and photo editing. Its Adobe Photoshop scores are higher than those of core i7-12700K.
The gaming performance of the Intel core i5-13600K is superior. However, the core i7-12700K’s performance is not much different compared to core i5-13600K.
The Intel core i5-13600K provides better bang for the buck. Because its price is less than the core i7-12700K and it also has improved performance, Intel i5-13600K is a more suitable option.
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