Core i9-10940X vs Core i5-12600KF: which is better

Intel Core i9-10940X (desktop, 2019) against Intel Core i5-12600KF (desktop, 2021): benchmarks, games, specs and current prices.

Key differences

Core i9-10940X is 0% faster in multi-threaded work (PassMark 27,569 vs 27,500).
Core i5-12600KF is 47% faster per core.
Core i5-12600KF is $127 cheaper ($200 vs $327).
Core i5-12600KF gives 63% more performance per dollar.
Core i5-12600KF has a lower TDP: 125 W vs 165 W.
Different sockets (LGA2066 and LGA1700): they need different motherboards.

Open the full duel

	Core i9-10940X	Core i5-12600KF
Overall score	38.2	38.2
PassMark CPU Mark	27,569	27,500
Single-thread rating	2,663	3,916
US price	from $327	from $200
Cores	14	10 (6P + 4E)
Threads	28	16
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz
Max boost	4.8 GHz	4.9 GHz
L3 cache	19.25 MB	20 MB
TDP	165 W	125 W
Max power	165 W	150 W
Memory	DDR4 (quad-channel)	DDR4 / DDR5
Memory speed	2933 MT/s	4800 MT/s
PCI Express	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1700
Process	14 nm (Intel)	10 nm (Intel 7)
Architecture	Cascade Lake-X	Alder Lake
Series	Core X (10th Gen)	12th Gen Core
Release year	2019	2021
Integrated graphics	none	none

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