EN

Apple M5 vs Core i5-12600K

VS

Performance score

Apple M5 2025 · 10/10 cores/threads
43.30
Core i5-12600K 2021, $289 · 10/16 cores/threads, 125 W
43.61

Apple M5 and Core i5-12600K are almost equally fast (under 3% apart) — choose by price, socket and platform.

The score is our own estimate from the specs (cores, threads, clocks, architecture generation), not a benchmark run. 100 = the fastest CPU in our database.

Real tests

What the test measures

Blender is a popular free 3D graphics program. The test makes the device render three ready-made 3D scenes (light, shadows, reflections) and counts how many render passes it finishes per minute. The higher the number, the faster the device handles heavy work: 3D, video editing, photo processing. On a CPU the test loads all cores at once, so it shows the chip's full power; on a graphics card it shows its compute strength.

CPU rendering (Blender)

Apple M5
275+24 %

faster than 85% of tested · runs: 48

faster than 81% of tested · runs: 44

Median of real test runs on users' computers. It does not show FPS in games. Data updated: 31.10.2026.

Overview

Apple M5Core i5-12600K
Score (0–100) 43.3 43.61
Ranking position 110 107
Price/performance (0–100) no data 54.15
Power efficiency (0–100) no data 18.23
Type Laptop Desktop
Manufacturer Apple Intel
Architecture Apple M5 Alder Lake
Release date Q4 2025 2021-11-04
Launch price no data $289

Specifications

Apple M5Core i5-12600K
Cores 10 10
Threads 10 16
P + E cores 4 + 6 6 + 4
Base clock no data 3.7 GHz
Boost clock 4.61 GHz 4.9 GHz
L2 cache no data 9.5 MB
L3 cache no data 20 MB
Process node no data Intel 7
Unlocked multiplier no yes
Integrated graphics no Intel UHD Graphics 770
NPU (AI accelerator) no no

Compatibility

Apple M5Core i5-12600K
Socket no data LGA1700
TDP no data 125 W
Max temperature no data 100 °C

Memory and PCI Express

Apple M5Core i5-12600K
Memory type no data DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Memory channels no data 2
Max memory no data 128 GB
PCI Express version no data 5.0
PCIe lanes no data 20

Pros and cons

Apple M5

  • 42% faster single core
  • newer: released in 2025

Core i5-12600K

  • more threads: 16 vs 10
  • has integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770)
  • unlocked multiplier (can be overclocked)

Other comparisons

Preliminary data: specs are still being checked against the manufacturer's website.

Visitor rating

— Votes: 0

Rate from 1 to 5 Apple M5:

— Votes: 0

Rate from 1 to 5 Core i5-12600K:

Questions and comments

Share your experience, ask a question or tell us about a mistake on this page: Apple M5 / Core i5-12600K.

Links are not allowed in comments.

No comments yet — be the first.