Intel Core i5 12600 6-core LGA1700
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
What Buyers Say
Intel Core i5 12600 6-core LGA1700
The Intel Core i5-12600 is highly praised for its value in gaming and SFF PC builds, with users noting excellent cooling efficiency and stable performance. However, one verified reviewer experienced slightly lower gaming performance than expected, though the price was considered fair. Overall, it is seen as a reliable mid-tier CPU that runs cool and quiet.
Pros
- Great value for gaming
- Excellent cooling efficiency
- Stable and reliable performance
- Ideal for SFF PC builds
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Slightly lower gaming performance than expected
- Minor performance issues in some games
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely celebrated as the best gaming CPU on the market, delivering massive frame rate boosts, improved 1% lows, and excellent thermal efficiency. Users upgrading from older Intel or AMD chips report transformative gains in CPU-intensive games and smoother multitasking. The main caution is to avoid paying above MSRP due to scalper pricing, and to ensure a compatible AM5 motherboard with a BIOS update. Overall, it is a top-tier choice for gamers seeking peak performance.
Pros
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Massive frame rate boosts in CPU-heavy games
- Excellent thermal efficiency and cool operation
- Improved 1% lows for smoother gameplay
- Great upgrade from older Intel and AMD chips
Cons
- Scalper pricing above MSRP
- No included cooler in the box
- Requires BIOS update on older AM5 motherboards
- Limited availability and stock issues
- OEM version lacks original box and accessories
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i5 12600 | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i5 | Ryzen 7 |
| Model | 12600 | 9800X3D |
| Codename | Alder Lake | Granite Ridge |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 7 | 4★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 6 | 8★ |
| P-cores | 6 | 8★ |
| Threads | 12 | 16★ |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 7.5 | 8★ |
| L3 Cache | 18 | 96★ |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR5★ |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM5 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 28★ |
| TDP | 65★ | 120 |
| Max Turbo Power | 117★ | 200 |
| Unlocked | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i5 12600 6-core LGA1700
- Strong single thread (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong efficiency (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong platform (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong single thread (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 5 of 6 usage categories and 15 of 27 specs.