Core i5-12600K vs Ryzen 9 5950X

Intel Core i5-12600K ≈ ₹27,200 today · 2021 Buy now on Amazon
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X ≈ ₹79,700 today · 2020 Buy now on Amazon

Verdict: Core i5-12600K and Ryzen 9 5950X are within a few percent in gaming performance, so pick on price, power and features. At today's approximate prices, Core i5-12600K gives more estimated performance for the money. They use different platforms (LGA1700 with DDR4/DDR5 vs AM4 with DDR4), so the motherboard and memory differ too.

Performance (estimate)

Est. gaming score
71
69
Est. multi-core score
35
68
Est. single-core score
72
68
Est. value: gaming score per ₹10,000 today
—
—

Core i5-12600K   Ryzen 9 5950X

These are PC-Build's own estimates worked out from the specifications, not official AMD or Intel benchmarks and not frame rates. The real gap depends on the game, your graphics card, the resolution and the settings. How the scores work

Why pick Core i5-12600K

  • Has integrated graphics: works without a graphics card
  • About ₹52,500 cheaper today

Why pick Ryzen 9 5950X

  • 6 more cores (16 vs 10)
  • 20 W lower rated TDP (105 W vs 125 W)

Specifications

Core i5-12600KRyzen 9 5950X
ArchitectureGolden Cove + GracemontZen 3
Code nameAlder LakeVermeer
ProcessIntel 7TSMC 7 nm
Cores1016
P-cores + E-cores6P + 4E16P
Threads1632
Boost clock4.9 GHz4.9 GHz
Base clock3.7 GHz3.4 GHz
L2 cache9.5 MB8 MB
L3 cache20 MB64 MB
TDP (rated)125 W105 W
SocketLGA1700AM4
MemoryDDR4/DDR5DDR4
Max memory speedDDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200DDR4-3200
PCIePCIe 5.0PCIe 4.0
OverclockingUnlockedUnlocked
Cooler in the boxNot includedNot included
Integrated graphicsIntel UHD 770—
Released20212020-11-05
Price today (≈)₹27,200₹79,700

FAQ

Is Core i5-12600K better than Ryzen 9 5950X?

Core i5-12600K and Ryzen 9 5950X are within a few percent in gaming performance, so pick on price, power and features. At today's approximate prices, Core i5-12600K gives more estimated performance for the money. They use different platforms (LGA1700 with DDR4/DDR5 vs AM4 with DDR4), so the motherboard and memory differ too.

Which uses less power, Core i5-12600K or Ryzen 9 5950X?

Ryzen 9 5950X is rated at 105 W versus 125 W for Core i5-12600K.

Which is better value, Core i5-12600K or Ryzen 9 5950X?

Going by today's prices (shown at the top of this page in your currency), Core i5-12600K gives more estimated performance for the money than Ryzen 9 5950X. Prices change daily, so check the shop before you buy.

Do Core i5-12600K and Ryzen 9 5950X use the same motherboard?

No. Core i5-12600K uses LGA1700 with DDR4/DDR5 memory and Ryzen 9 5950X uses AM4 with DDR4 memory. Moving from one to the other means a new motherboard and new RAM.

Related comparisons