Intel Core i5-12500 vs Intel Core i7-8700K Comparison

The Intel Core i5-12500 and the Intel Core i7-8700K represent two distinct eras of desktop processing. The i7-8700K was a flagship enthusiast part from the Coffee Lake generation, while the i5-12500 is a mid-range offering from the Alder Lake generation. Both processors share the same core and thread count, yet benchmark results show a decisive shift in performance across nearly every workload. The data recorded in the database indicates a substantial generational leap, with the i5-12500 winning 18 of the 19 head-to-head benchmarks.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking results come from the PassMark encryption test, where the i5-12500 scores 12033 against the i7-8700K’s 4776. This is a delta of 151.9%, the largest margin in the entire comparison. The i5-12500 also shows a 92.3% lead in PassMark find prime numbers, scoring 75 versus 39. These are not incremental gains; they represent a fundamental improvement in computational efficiency.

In multi-threaded workloads, the i5-12500 maintains a consistent advantage. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-12500 scores 16759, while the i7-8700K manages 11527, a 45.4% difference. The same pattern appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core, with scores of 7038 and 4841 respectively, again a 45.4% delta. The PassMark multithread test shows the i5-12500 at 19893 versus 13576 for the i7-8700K, a 46.5% lead. Geekbench multi-core results show a 31.3% advantage for the i5-12500, scoring 9374 compared to 7140.

The single-thread results tell the same story, though with slightly smaller margins. The i5-12500 scores 2366 in Cinebench R23 single-core, a 45.4% improvement over the i7-8700K’s 1627. In Geekbench single-core, the i5-12500 scores 1969 against 1575, a 25% lead. PassMark single-thread shows the i5-12500 at 3666 versus 2720, a 34.8% advantage. The Cinebench R15 single-core test shows the i5-12500 at 238 and the i7-8700K at 163, a 46% delta.

Math-intensive workloads also favor the newer processor. PassMark floating point math shows the i5-12500 scoring 48004, a 68.2% lead over the i7-8700K’s 28538. PassMark integer math shows a 34.3% advantage, with scores of 61626 and 45892. The PassMark physics test shows a 53.1% lead for the i5-12500, scoring 1242 versus 811. Extended instructions show a 19.1% delta, with scores of 16090 and 13514. Data compression shows a 20% lead, with the i5-12500 at 238753 and the i7-8700K at 198951.

There is only one benchmark where the i7-8700K wins: PassMark random string sorting. Here, the i7-8700K scores 25270, while the i5-12500 scores 23523. The delta is -6.9% in favor of the older chip. This is an isolated result, but it shows the i7-8700K is not wholly obsolete in every memory-access pattern.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-12500 has an average benchmark score of 19668, while the Intel Core i7-8700K has an average benchmark score of 19238.

Q: How do the two processors compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core performance?

A: The i5-12500 scores 16759 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is 45.4% higher than the i7-8700K’s score of 11527.

Q: Is there any workload where the i7-8700K outperforms the i5-12500?

A: Yes, in the PassMark random string sorting test, the i7-8700K scores 25270, which is 6.9% higher than the i5-12500’s score of 23523.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two processors?

A: The largest gap is in PassMark data encryption, where the i5-12500 scores 12033, which is 151.9% higher than the i7-8700K’s score of 4776.

Q: How do the processors compare in single-threaded performance?

A: The i5-12500 leads in all single-thread tests. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 2366 versus 1627, a 45.4% lead. In Geekbench single-core, it scores 1969 versus 1575, a 25% lead.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-12500 and the Intel Core i7-8700K have 6 cores and 12 threads.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. The i5-12500 uses the Alder Lake architecture, specifically the Alder Lake-S codename, and is fabricated on a 10 nm process node. The i7-8700K uses the Coffee Lake architecture and is fabricated on a 14 nm process node. This process difference is a major factor in the performance gap, as the smaller node allows for greater efficiency and higher transistor density.

The cache hierarchy also differs significantly. The i5-12500 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The i7-8700K has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The i5-12500 has substantially more L2 and L3 cache, which contributes to its superior performance in cache-sensitive workloads.

Memory support is another key difference. The i5-12500 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the i7-8700K only supports DDR4. Both use a dual-channel memory bus. The i7-8700K has a recorded memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, while no such figure is recorded for the i5-12500 in the database. The i5-12500 also supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-8700K supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only).

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i5-12500 includes UHD Graphics 770, while the i7-8700K includes UHD Graphics 630. The sockets are not compatible, with the i5-12500 using Intel Socket 1700 and the i7-8700K using Intel Socket 1151.

The production statuses differ. The i5-12500 is listed as Active, while the i7-8700K is listed as End-of-life. The i5-12500 has a locked multiplier, while the i7-8700K has an unlocked multiplier. The release dates are also different, with the i5-12500 released on 2022-01-03 and the i7-8700K released on 2017-10-04.

The Verdict

The data is clear: the Intel Core i5-12500 is the stronger processor in nearly every measurable way. It wins 18 of the 19 head-to-head benchmarks, with the only exception being PassMark random string sorting. The i5-12500 offers a 45.4% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and a 25% lead in Geekbench single-core. The largest advantage is in PassMark data encryption, where it leads by 151.9%.

For users upgrading from an older platform, the i5-12500 provides a massive performance uplift in multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads. The i7-8700K, while still competitive in the niche random string sorting test, falls behind by margins ranging from 19.1% to 151.9% across the other benchmarks. The i5-12500 also has a higher average benchmark score of 19668 versus 19238.

The i7-8700K remains relevant only for those who specifically need its unlocked multiplier for overclocking, as the i5-12500 has a locked multiplier. However, the i5-12500’s default performance is so far ahead that overclocking the i7-8700K would be unlikely to close the gap entirely. The i5-12500 is also the only one of the two with support for DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 5, making it the more future-proof choice.

The i7-8700K’s single win in random string sorting is a minor data point. It does not offset the consistent losses in every other category. The i5-12500 is the recommended choice for users who prioritize performance in productivity, rendering, and general computing tasks.

Specification Differences

The following specifications differ between the Intel Core i5-12500 and the Intel Core i7-8700K:

• Base Clock: The i5-12500 has a base clock of 3.00 GHz, while the i7-8700K has a base clock of 3.70 GHz.
• Boost Clock: The i5-12500 has a boost clock of 4.60 GHz, while the i7-8700K has a boost clock of 4.70 GHz.
• TDP: The i5-12500 has a TDP of 65 W, while the i7-8700K has a TDP of 95 W.
• Socket: The i5-12500 uses Intel Socket 1700, while the i7-8700K uses Intel Socket 1151.
• Architecture: The i5-12500 uses Alder Lake, while the i7-8700K uses Coffee Lake.
• Process Node: The i5-12500 is fabricated on a 10 nm process, while the i7-8700K is fabricated on a 14 nm process.
• Die Size: The i5-12500 has a die size of 163 mm², while the i7-8700K has a die size of 154 mm².
• L1 Cache: The i5-12500 has 80 KB per core, while the i7-8700K has 64 KB per core.
• L2 Cache: The i5-12500 has 1.25 MB per core, while the i7-8700K has 256 KB per core.
• L3 Cache: The i5-12500 has 18 MB shared, while the i7-8700K has 12 MB shared.
• Memory Support: The i5-12500 supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the i7-8700K supports only DDR4.
• Memory Bandwidth: The i7-8700K has a recorded memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s; no figure is recorded for the i5-12500.
• PCIe: The i5-12500 supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-8700K supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only).
• Integrated Graphics: The i5-12500 includes UHD Graphics 770, while the i7-8700K includes UHD Graphics 630.
• Production Status: The i5-12500 is Active, while the i7-8700K is End-of-life.
• Release Date: The i5-12500 was released on 2022-01-03, while the i7-8700K was released on 2017-10-04.
• Launch MSRP: The i5-12500 had a launch MSRP of $212, while the i7-8700K had a launch MSRP of $359.
• Multiplier: The i5-12500 has a locked multiplier, while the i7-8700K has an unlocked multiplier.
• Part Number: The i5-12500 has part number SRL5V, while the i7-8700K has part number SR3QRQNMK.