Intel Core i7-12700K vs AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
These two processors score identically for gaming. Core count, power draw and platform cost decide it.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-12700K | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 82/100 | 82/100 |
| Tier | A | A |
| Manufacturer | Intel | AMD |
| Cores | 12 | 6 |
| Threads | 20 | 12 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5 GHz | 5.4 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 125 W | 65 W |
| Release year | 2021 | 2024 |
Which should you buy?
Gaming performance is a tie between these two, so the decision comes down to the factors below. The Intel Core i7-12700K has more cores (12 vs 6), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X runs 60W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.