Intel Core i5-12600K Gaming Performance
12th Gen • Alder Lake • Released 2021
Passmark Score
This mid-range processor offers solid gaming performance and good value for most users. With 10 cores and 16 threads running at up to 4.9GHz, the Intel Core i5-12600K scores 85/100 in our gaming benchmarks. It handles modern games without bottlenecking high-end GPUs.
Technical Specifications
Cores
10
Threads
16
Base Clock
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz
Cache
N/A
TDP
125W
Gaming Performance Analysis
Overall Gaming Performance
The Intel Core i5-12600K scores 85/100 in our gaming benchmarks, placing it in the mid-range category. This processor excels in both single-threaded and multi-threaded gaming scenarios, providing excellent frame rates even in CPU-intensive titles.
CPU-Intensive Games
With 10 cores and 16 threads, the Intel Core i5-12600K handles CPU-intensive games like Starfield, Cities Skylines 2, and Total War with ease. Expect minimal bottlenecking even with high-end GPUs.
Esports & Competitive Gaming
With a 4.9GHz boost clock, this processor delivers solid performance in competitive games, easily maintaining high refresh rates for smooth gameplay.
Popular Games Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Intel Core i5-12600K good for gaming in 2026?
The Intel Core i5-12600K is a mid-range processor with 10 cores and 16 threads, scoring 85/100 in our gaming benchmarks. It excels at gaming and handles demanding titles with ease.
What games can the Intel Core i5-12600K run?
The Intel Core i5-12600K can run all modern games. It handles CPU-intensive titles like Starfield and Cities Skylines 2 without issues. Pair it with an appropriate GPU for best results.
Does the Intel Core i5-12600K bottleneck GPUs?
With 10 cores and 16 threads, the Intel Core i5-12600K is unlikely to bottleneck modern GPUs in most games. It provides excellent multi-threaded performance for gaming and productivity.
What is the Intel Core i5-12600K equivalent to?
The Intel Core i5-12600K performs similarly to other mid-range CPUs in its generation. Check our comparison tool to see how it stacks up against alternatives from AMD.
Additional Information
Performance Scores
Gaming Score
85%
Relative gaming performance