Intel Core i5-11600K vs Intel Core i5-12400F

The Intel Core i5-12400F is the faster processor, scoring 45/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 44/100 for the Intel Core i5-11600K — roughly 2% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.

Intel

Intel Core i5-11600K

44
Gaming score / 100
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Winner

Intel Core i5-12400F

45
Gaming score / 100
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Specs compared

SpecIntel Core i5-11600KIntel Core i5-12400F
Gaming score44/10045/100
Cores / Threads6 / 126 / 12
Boost clock4.90 GHz4.40 GHz
TDP125 W65 W
SocketLGA1200LGA1700
MSRP$179.00$144.00

Intel Core i5-11600K vs Intel Core i5-12400F: which should you buy?

The Intel Core i5-12400F is the faster processor, scoring 45/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 44/100 for the Intel Core i5-11600K — roughly 2% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy. For your specific games and resolution, run both through our comparison tool, check pairing with the bottleneck calculator, or see where each lands on the tier list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Intel Core i5-11600K better than the Intel Core i5-12400F?
The Intel Core i5-12400F is faster for gaming, scoring 45/100 versus 44/100 for the Intel Core i5-11600K (about 2% faster).

Should I buy the Intel Core i5-11600K or the Intel Core i5-12400F?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i5-12400F. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Core i5-11600K can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.

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