Intel Core i5-12600K vs AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Intel Core i5-12600K vs AMD Ryzen 7 8700G: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
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Intel Core i5-12600K
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Comparison: Intel Core i5-12600K vs AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
Intel Core i5-12600K
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
| Criterion | Intel Core i5-12600K | AMD Ryzen 7 8700G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(2,902)Amazon | ★4.7(554)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) | Zen 4 (Ryzen 8000G Series / Hawk Point) |
Socket Platform | LGA1700 | Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) |
Cores Threads | 10 Cores (6 Performance + 4 Efficient) / 16 Threads | 8 Cores / 16 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-core: 3.7–4.9 GHz / E-core: 2.8–3.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.1 GHz Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 20 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 9.5 MB L2 | 8 MB L2 + 16 MB L3 (24 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 65 W |
Max Turbo Power | 150 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 88 W (PPT) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | TSMC 4nm FinFET (Monolithic Die) |
Memory Support | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Up to 128 GB) | DDR5-5200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 256 GB; ECC Support: No |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 76.8 GB/s | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~83.2 GB/s @ 5200 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) | 20 Total (16 Usable: x8 Graphics, 2x4 NVMe/General) |
Igpu | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 1.45 GHz Dyn Max) | AMD Radeon 780M (12 Compute Units, 2900 MHz) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | No (Heatsink not included) | Yes (Wraith Spire) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction | 95°C (203°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Unlocked for overclocking. Requires LGA1700 motherboard (600/700 series). ECC supported on W680 chipset only. | Features 'Ryzen AI' NPU (16 TOPS). Monolithic design has less L3 cache than chiplet Ryzen 7000. Discrete GPU slot limited to PCIe 4.0 x8 speed (sufficient for most mid-range GPUs). |
Chipset Support | Intel 600 and 700 Series (Z690, B660, Z790, etc.) | A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870, X870E |
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Intel Core i5-12600K
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent price-to-performance ratio for gaming and multitasking
- • Hybrid architecture (P-cores + E-cores) improves efficiency
- • Future-proof support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
- • Unlocked multiplier allows for overclocking (K-Series)
- • Integrated graphics useful for troubleshooting or Quick Sync
✗ Cons:
- • Thermal solution not included (requires robust aftermarket cooler)
- • High power consumption under full turbo load (150W)
- • Requires LGA1700 mounting bracket for older coolers
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AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
✓ Pros:
- • Best-in-class integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) capable of 1080p gaming
- • Includes dedicated NPU for local AI workloads (Ryzen AI)
- • Efficient 65W operation with included Wraith Spire cooler
✗ Cons:
- • PCIe 4.0 only (no PCIe 5.0) and reduced lane count (x8 for GPU)
- • Small L3 cache (16MB) limits performance with high-end discrete GPUs
- • ECC memory not supported (unlike standard Ryzen 7000/9000 CPUs)
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Which one is better?
Looking at user satisfaction (Intel Core i5-12600K: 4.7★ vs AMD Ryzen 7 8700G: 4.7★), Intel Core i5-12600K pulls ahead. The gap is small—choose based on the priorities below.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Intel Core i5-12600K suits buyers who need Excellent price-to-performance ratio for gaming and multitasking, Hybrid architecture (P-cores + E-cores) improves efficiency
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700G suits buyers who want Best-in-class integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) capable of 1080p gaming, Includes dedicated NPU for local AI workloads (Ryzen AI)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i5-12600K excels if you value excellent price-to-performance ratio for gaming and multitasking. AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is better if you prioritize best-in-class integrated graphics (radeon 780m) capable of 1080p gaming. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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