Intel Core i5-14600 vs Intel Core i7-12700K

The Intel Core i5-14600 is the faster processor, scoring 70/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 68/100 for the Intel Core i7-12700K — roughly 3% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.

Winner

Intel Core i5-14600

70
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i5-14600 price

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Intel

Intel Core i7-12700K

68
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i7-12700K price

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Specs compared

SpecIntel Core i5-14600Intel Core i7-12700K
Gaming score70/10068/100
Cores / Threads14 / 2012 / 20
Boost clock5.20 GHz5.00 GHz
TDP65 W125 W
SocketLGA1700LGA1700
MSRP$269.00$299.00

Intel Core i5-14600 vs Intel Core i7-12700K: which should you buy?

The Intel Core i5-14600 is the faster processor, scoring 70/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 68/100 for the Intel Core i7-12700K — roughly 3% 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 i5-14600 better than the Intel Core i7-12700K?
The Intel Core i5-14600 is faster for gaming, scoring 70/100 versus 68/100 for the Intel Core i7-12700K (about 3% faster).

Should I buy the Intel Core i5-14600 or the Intel Core i7-12700K?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i5-14600. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Core i7-12700K can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.