Intel Core i5-11600 vs Intel Core i5-12450HX Comparison

The Intel Core i5-12450HX and the Intel Core i5-11600 present a fascinating study in generational contrast. Despite the 12450HX being a newer mobile part from the 12th Gen Alder Lake family and the 11600 being an older desktop Rocket Lake chip, their overall average benchmark scores are nearly identical. The data shows a margin of just 0.1% separating them, with the 12450HX scoring 24576 and the 11600 scoring 24563. This places both at the 77th percentile of all CPUs, making them direct competitors in aggregate performance, but their individual strengths and weaknesses paint a more complex picture.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results reveal a clear split in workload types. The most dramatic difference appears in the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, where the Intel Core i5-11600 delivers a 25.4% higher score (15269 vs 11390). This is a significant victory for the desktop chip, suggesting that sustained multi-threaded rendering workloads heavily favor the older processor. However, this stands in stark contrast to the PassMark multithread test, where the 12450HX wins by a smaller 2% margin (18274 vs 17918). The discrepancy between these two multi-threaded tests is curious; the 11600's advantage in Cinebench R23 is not reflected in the broader PassMark suite.

Looking at single-core performance, the results are tightly clustered. The 11600 edges ahead in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 single-core tests by margins of 1.7% to 1.8%. Yet, in the PassMark single-thread test, the 12450HX flips the script, winning by 1.7% (3340 vs 3284). This back-and-forth suggests that the two processors have comparable IPC (instructions per clock) but respond differently to various instruction sets and benchmark methodologies.

The most lopsided victories belong to the 12450HX in floating-point and physics workloads. In PassMark floating-point math, the 12450HX is 21.6% ahead (43126 vs 35478), and in PassMark physics, it leads by 21.9% (1086 vs 891). These are substantial wins that highlight the newer architecture's efficiency in handling complex mathematical calculations. Conversely, the 11600 wins decisively in PassMark extended instructions, scoring 11.9% higher (15698 vs 13832), and in random string sorting, where it is 7.4% ahead (25178 vs 23306).

The remaining tests show smaller deltas. The 12450HX wins in data encryption by 9.5% (12110 vs 11060) and in data compression by a slim 0.8% (219707 vs 218062). The 11600 takes integer math by 4.9% (60158 vs 57189) and prime number finding by 3.6% (56 vs 54). Overall, the 11600 wins 10 of the 17 head-to-head benchmarks, while the 12450HX wins 7. However, the magnitude of the 12450HX's wins in floating-point and physics is substantial enough to keep the aggregate scores nearly level.

The Verdict

From the data, the choice between these two depends heavily on the primary use case. The Intel Core i5-11600 is the clear winner for sustained multi-core rendering workloads, as evidenced by its massive 25.4% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core. It also demonstrates superiority in extended instruction sets and integer-heavy tasks, making it a robust option for general desktop productivity where those operations are common. Its higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz and lower base clock of 2.80 GHz, combined with a 65W TDP, suggest it is designed for consistent desktop performance.

The Intel Core i5-12450HX, despite losing the overall head-to-head count, shows a compelling advantage in specific computational areas. Its 21.6% lead in floating-point math and 21.9% lead in physics benchmarks indicate that it excels in scientific simulations, certain rendering tasks, and physics calculations. The 12450HX also wins in data encryption and compression, which are critical for security-related workloads and file handling. Its single-thread performance in PassMark is also superior, hinting at strong day-to-day responsiveness in lighter tasks.

Given that the average benchmark scores are effectively tied (0.1% difference), neither processor can be declared an outright winner. The 11600 is the better choice for users who prioritize Cinebench-style multi-core rendering and extended instruction performance. The 12450HX is the better choice for those whose workloads are heavy on floating-point math, physics simulation, and data encryption. The data does not support a universal recommendation.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-11600 wins in the following categories based on the benchmark results: multi-core rendering (Cinebench R23), extended instruction processing, integer math, random string sorting, prime number finding, and all Cinebench single-core tests. This makes it the preferred chip for video rendering with software like Cinebench, code compilation, spreadsheet calculations, and any task that relies heavily on integer arithmetic. Its consistent lead in the Cinebench suite suggests a strong architecture for content creation workloads that use those specific algorithms.

The Intel Core i5-12450HX wins in floating-point math, physics, data encryption, data compression, multithreaded PassMark, and PassMark single-thread tests. This makes it the superior option for scientific computing, financial modeling, physics engines in simulation software, and secure data handling. The significant wins in floating-point and physics are particularly notable, suggesting that the Alder Lake architecture has made significant strides in these areas. The 2% lead in PassMark multithread also indicates that its overall thread management is slightly better in mixed workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-12450HX has a marginally higher average benchmark score of 24576, compared to the Intel Core i5-11600's 24563, a difference of 0.1%.

Q: What is the biggest performance difference between the two CPUs?

A: The largest gap is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the Intel Core i5-11600 leads by 25.4%, scoring 15269 versus 11390 for the 12450HX.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-12450HX win any benchmarks by a large margin?

A: Yes, it wins PassMark floating-point math by 21.6% (43126 vs 35478) and PassMark physics by 21.9% (1086 vs 891).

Q: How do the two compare in terms of core and thread counts?

A: The 12450HX has 8 cores and 12 threads, while the 11600 has 6 cores and 12 threads. Both support 12 threads.

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i5-11600 has a higher boost clock of 4.80 GHz, while the 12450HX boosts to 4.40 GHz.

Q: Which processor is better for data encryption tasks?

A: The Intel Core i5-12450HX is better, scoring 12110 in PassMark data encryption compared to 11060 for the 11600, a 9.5% advantage.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and are built for different market segments. The Intel Core i5-12450HX is based on the Alder Lake architecture, specifically the Alder Lake-HX codename, and is built on a 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry. It features a die size of 215 mm² and is designed for the mobile market, using an Intel BGA 1964 socket. In contrast, the Intel Core i5-11600 uses the older Rocket Lake architecture, built on a 14 nm process with a larger die size of 276 mm². It is a desktop processor that uses the Intel Socket 1200.

The cache configurations also differ. Both share a 12 MB L3 cache, but the L2 cache differs: the 12450HX has 1.25 MB per core, while the 11600 has 512 KB per core. The L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core. The 12450HX supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the 11600 only supports DDR4. The 12450HX also has a higher memory bandwidth specification of 51.2 GB/s, a figure not listed for the 11600. In terms of PCIe, the 12450HX supports Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), whereas the 11600 supports Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only).

The 12450HX includes integrated graphics in the form of UHD Graphics 710, while the 11600 has no integrated graphics listed. The 12450HX has an unlocked multiplier, indicating overclocking potential, while the 11600 is locked. The 12450HX is currently active in production, while the 11600 is marked as end-of-life.

Specification Differences

The table below highlights only the fields where the two processors differ per the data.

| Specification | Intel Core i5-12450HX | Intel Core i5-11600 |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Cores | 8 | 6 |

| Base Clock | 2.40 GHz | 2.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.40 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1964 | Intel Socket 1200 |

| Architecture | Alder Lake | Rocket Lake |

| Codename | Alder Lake-HX | Rocket Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | 215 mm² | 276 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | Not listed |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 710 | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2022-05-09 | 2021-03-15 |

| Launch MSRP | $284 | $213 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | SRLGJ | SRKNW |