Intel Core i5-12500

The Intel Core i5-12500 is a 6-core CPU that supports 12 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock reaching up to 4.6 GHz. It uses the LGA 1700 socket and comes with Intel's Laminar RM1 cooler, providing efficient cooling for your system.
Popularity: Medium
Performance:
Specifications:
Model: Intel Core i5-12500
Series: 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors
Architecture: Alder Lake
Socket: 1700
Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Base Clock: 3.00 GHz
Max. Boost Clock: 4.60 GHz
L2 Cache: 7.5 MB
L3 Cache: 18 MB
TDP: 65 W
Power Consumption: 117.0 W
Max Memory: 128 GB
Max Memory Speed: Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s, Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s
Max Temp: 100 °C
PCI Express Version: 5.0 and 4.0
PCIe Lanes: 20
Overclocking:
Integrated GPU: yes
Cooler Boxed: yes
Instruction Set: 64-bit
Launch Date: Q1'22
Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The Intel Core i5-12500 is one of the prominent offerings of Intel's Alder Lake line-up, introducing a fresh architecture aimed at the mid-range desktop processor market. With a configuration of six cores and twelve threads, it sets itself apart with a boost clock of up to 4.6 GHz and a base clock of 3.0 GHz. It is designed to cater to a wide range of computing demands, from gaming to multitasking, with an architecture that supports both PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory (TechPowerUp).
Architectural Highlights
The Intel Core i5-12500 is built on the 10 nm Alder Lake architecture, which employs the Golden Cove core design. Unlike its higher-tier counterparts like the i5-12600K, the i5-12500 focuses on performance cores, without including energy-efficient cores. This gives it a traditional multi-core design with strong single-threaded performance (TechPowerUp).
Performance and Benchmarks
In terms of raw performance, the Intel Core i5-12500 demonstrates impressive benchmark results. It manages to rival AMD's Ryzen 7 5700G, yet it maintains a more attractive price point. While it lacks the integrated graphics of some competitors, its efficiency in handling CPU-bound tasks makes it a robust choice for users who prioritize processing power over integrated graphics Phoronix.
Energy Efficiency
The processor demonstrates a significant leap in efficiency, particularly when compared to its predecessors. It showcases a power consumption rating with a 65W base and up to 117W turbo, balancing performance with energy demands effectively. The lack of energy-efficient cores is complemented by architectural optimizations, which ensure good performance-to-watt ratios, making it suitable even for systems where power draw is a concern TechPowerUp.
Technical Features
- Cores/Threads: 6 cores and 12 threads
- Base Clock: 3.0 GHz, Boost Clock: 4.6 GHz
- Socket: LGA 1700
- TDP: 65W (base), 117W (turbo)
- L2/L3 Cache: 7.5 MB and 18 MB respectively
- iGPU: Intel® UHD Graphics 770
Comparative Analysis
Compared to earlier iterations like the i5-12400, the i5-12500 offers improved clock speeds, making it a potent candidate for both gamers and productivity seekers. While Ryzen’s equivalent offerings pose strong competition, the unique combination of Intel's Thread Director technology and robust single-threaded performance makes the i5-12500 a compelling option EVGA Forums.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i5-12500 solidifies itself as a strong contender in the mid-range processor market. Blending excellent single-thread and multi-thread performance with modern features like support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, it stands out as a performance-efficient choice suitable for a wide array of users. Whether for gaming or heavily threaded productivity tasks, its robust architecture and competitive pricing promise great value and capabilities Benchmarks UL.