Intel Core i5-11600KF vs Intel Core i5-12500 Comparison

The Intel Core i5-11600KF and Intel Core i5-12500 are two six-core desktop processors separated by a full generation, yet their benchmark records show a remarkably tight contest. The 11600KF edges out a 0.3% lead in average benchmark score, posting 19723 against the 12500's 19668, with both CPUs landing in the 73rd percentile of all processors tested. The 12500 claims more individual test wins, taking 14 of 25 head-to-head matchups, but the 11600KF counters with decisive victories in several specialized workloads that keep the overall score nearly identical.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The 11600KF establishes its dominance in 3DMark threading tests, where it wins all six matchups. The most significant margin comes in the 4-thread test, where the 11600KF scores 3492 against the 12500's 3125, a 11.7% advantage. The 8-thread test shows a 7.7% lead (5238 vs 4862), while the 2-thread test delivers a 6.9% gap (1861 vs 1741). Even in the single-thread 3DMark test, the older chip manages a 1.2% win, scoring 962 to 951.

The 12500's counterattack comes through Cinebench and Geekbench. Across all six Cinebench tests, the 12500 wins by a consistent 1.5% to 1.7% margin. The Cinebench R23 multicore result shows 16759 vs 16503, while the single-core variant lands at 2366 vs 2329. Geekbench provides the 12500's largest wins in this category: a 7.3% multicore advantage (9374 vs 8688) and a 3.3% single-core edge (1969 vs 1904).

PassMark results split the field more dramatically. The 11600KF wins extended instructions by 9.5% (17619 vs 16090) and random string sorting by an 18% margin (27767 vs 23523). It also takes integer math (64195 vs 61626, a 4.2% lead), data compression (242730 vs 238753, 1.7%), and data encryption (12198 vs 12033, 1.4%). The 12500 answers with huge wins in floating-point math (48004 vs 38129, a 20.6% gap), physics (1242 vs 954, 23.2%), and prime number finding (75 vs 59, 21.3%). The 12500 also takes the PassMark single-thread test by 9.2% (3666 vs 3327) and the multithread test by 1.9% (19893 vs 19513).

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs come from different manufacturing nodes and socket generations. The 11600KF uses Intel's 14 nm process with a die size of 276 mm², while the 12500 moves to a 10 nm process with a much smaller 163 mm² die. Both chips feature 6 cores and 12 threads, but their cache configurations differ notably. The 11600KF carries 512 KB of L2 cache per core and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The 12500 doubles the L2 to 1.25 MB per core and expands L3 to 18 MB shared, a significant increase for data-heavy workloads.

Clock speeds favor the 11600KF on paper. It runs at a 3.90 GHz base clock and boosts to 4.90 GHz, compared to the 12500's 3.00 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost. The 11600KF also carries a 125 W TDP versus the 12500's 65 W TDP, making the newer chip substantially more power-efficient on paper. The 11600KF is an unlocked multiplier processor, while the 12500 has a locked multiplier, meaning the older chip offers overclocking headroom that the 12500 lacks.

Memory support separates the pair as well. The 11600KF supports only DDR4 with dual-channel memory and a measured 51.2 GB/s bandwidth. The 12500 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel configuration, though no bandwidth figure is listed. PCIe connectivity also differs: the 11600KF provides Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes, while the 12500 moves to Gen 5 with the same 20 CPU lanes. The 12500 includes integrated UHD Graphics 770, whereas the 11600KF has no integrated graphics. The 11600KF uses Socket 1200, while the 12500 requires Socket 1700.

Where Each One Wins

The 11600KF is the clear choice for 3DMark-style threading workloads. Its victories across all threading levels—from 2-thread to max-thread—suggest it handles short, bursty parallel tasks efficiently. The 11.7% margin in the 4-thread test and 7.7% in the 8-thread test indicate a strong response to moderate thread counts. The PassMark extended instructions win by 9.5% and random string sorting win by 18% point to an advantage in specialized instruction sets and data organization tasks. Integer math also favors the 11600KF by 4.2%, making it suitable for workloads that rely on whole-number computation.

The 12500 excels in floating-point and physics-heavy tasks. Its 20.6% lead in floating-point math and 23.2% lead in physics are the largest margins in the entire comparison. The 21.3% win in prime number finding suggests better handling of algorithmic integer workloads. The 12500 also dominates in Geekbench, with a 7.3% multicore lead, and consistently edges out the 11600KF across all Cinebench versions. Its 9.2% single-thread PassMark advantage shows that newer microarchitecture translates to better per-core performance despite lower clock speeds.

For general productivity, the 12500's multithread PassMark win of 1.9% and its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 16759 vs 16503 make it the slightly better all-rounder. The 11600KF counters in data compression and encryption, where it leads by 1.7% and 1.4% respectively, making it marginally better for archival and security-focused tasks.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-11600KF has an average benchmark score of 19723, which is 0.3% higher than the Intel Core i5-12500's 19668.

Q: How do the two CPUs compare in single-core performance?

A: The 12500 wins most single-core tests. It leads by 1.6% in Cinebench R23 single-core (2366 vs 2329), 3.3% in Geekbench single-core (1969 vs 1904), and 9.2% in PassMark single-thread (3666 vs 3327). The 11600KF only wins the 3DMark single-thread test by 1.2% (962 vs 951).

Q: What is the difference in L3 cache size?

A: The 11600KF has 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 12500 has 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The 12500 also has 1.25 MB L2 per core versus 512 KB per core on the 11600KF.

Q: Does either processor support overclocking?

A: The 11600KF has an unlocked multiplier, enabling overclocking. The 12500 has a locked multiplier and does not support overclocking.

Q: What are the memory support differences?

A: The 11600KF supports only DDR4 memory, while the 12500 supports both DDR4 and DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: Which CPU wins more head-to-head benchmark tests?

A: The 12500 wins 14 of the 25 head-to-head benchmark tests, while the 11600KF wins 11. Despite this, the 11600KF retains a slightly higher average benchmark score.

The Verdict

The data presents a nuanced choice. The 11600KF wins the overall average score but does so on the strength of a few large margins in 3DMark and PassMark specialized tests. Its 18% win in random string sorting and 9.5% win in extended instructions are standout results, but they are narrow workload categories. The 12500 wins more tests overall and secures the more mainstream workloads: Cinebench, Geekbench, floating-point math, physics, and single-thread performance.

For users prioritizing gaming-style threaded performance as measured by 3DMark, the 11600KF has a clear edge, particularly in the 4-thread and 8-thread tests. Its unlocked multiplier adds flexibility for enthusiasts willing to push clocks higher. However, the 12500 offers a newer 10 nm process, a smaller die, significantly lower 65 W TDP, larger caches, DDR5 support, PCIe Gen 5, and integrated graphics. Its consistent wins in Cinebench and Geekbench suggest better efficiency per clock, and its 9.2% single-thread PassMark advantage indicates superior day-to-day responsiveness.

The 11600KF is end-of-life, while the 12500 remains active in production. Both CPUs sit in the same 73rd percentile, and their average scores differ by just 0.3%. The 12500 is the more balanced processor, winning the broader set of tests and offering modern platform features. The 11600KF is the specialist, winning where burst threading and specific instruction sets matter. For a general-purpose desktop build, the 12500's 14 test wins and platform advantages make it the data-supported pick. For users focused on 3DMark-style threaded workloads or who want overclocking capability, the 11600KF's 11 wins and 3DMark dominance justify its selection.