Written by Giorgos
Edited on
13 October 2025
·
14:56
How do the 11th generation and the 12th generation Intel processors differ?
In October 2021, Intel released the 12th generation Alder Lake processors as the successor to the 11th generation Rocket Lake. These 12th generation processors are extra future-proof, thanks to the DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support, for example. But how does the new generation compare to the 11th generation? In this advice article, we'll compare the different processors.
Hi customer
The 11th and 12th generation Intel processors will be removed from the assortment in 2024. They'll be permanently replaced by the 14th generation. Looking for an Intel processor? We recommend to look at the Intel 14th generation models.
Comparison 11th and 12th generation Intel Core processors
| Intel Core i9 12900K | Intel Core i7 12700K | Intel Core i5 12600K | Intel Core i9 11900K | Intel Core i7 11700K | Intel Core i5 11600K | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clock speed | 3.2GHz | 3.6GHz | 3.6GHz | 3.5GHz | 3.6GHz | 3.9GHz |
| Turbo speed | 5.2GHz | 5.0GHz | 4.9GHz | 5.3GHz | 5.0GHz | 4.9GHz |
| Threads | 24 | 20 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 12 |
| P-cores | ||||||
| E-cores | ||||||
| L3 cache | 30MB | 25MB | 20MB | 16MB | 16MB | 12MB |
| Type RAM | DDR5 4800MHz | DDR5 4800MHz | DDR5 4800MHz | DDR4 3200MHz | DDR4 3200MHz | DDR4 3200MHz |
| PCIe version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| TDP | 125W | 125W | 125W | 125W | 125W | 125W |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 | LGA 1200 | LGA 1200 | LGA 1200 |
Intel Core i9 12900K: most powerful gaming processor
When you're looking for power and you want to be future-proof, choose the Intel Core i9 12900K. This processor has an extremely high turbo speed of 5.2GHz, 16 cores, 24 threads, and 30MB L3 cache. With this combination, the 12900K is suitable for very demanding games and multitasking. Think of running a Twitch stream while you game, or using 3D models. It's future-proof thanks to the PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, but it also has a downside. Your motherboard has to have an LGA 1700 socket for this processor.
- Suitable for a future-proof desktop.
- Most powerful gaming processor currently available.
- You need an LGA 1700 motherboard.
Intel Core i7 12700K: demanding multitasking and video editing
The Intel Core i7 12700K is future-proof and combines power and speed, just like the i9 12900K. This CPU has 12 cores and 20 threads for demanding multitasking and video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro. This processor is future-proof, which plays a part in its advantages and disadvantages. You can use the PCIe 5.0 support for extra fast communication with new components, including the DDR5 RAM. The disadvantage is that you need a completely new motherboard and other components.
- Suitable for a future-proof desktop.
- Powerful enough for demanding multitasking and video editing.
- You'll need an LGA 1700 motherboard.
Intel Core i5 12600K: demanding multitasking and photo editing
The most powerful mid-range CPU from the 12th generation Intel Alder Lake processors is the Intel Core i5 12600K. with a turbo speed of 4.9GHz, 10 cores, and 16 threads, this processor is suitable for more demanding multitasking and photo editing. when you work with older programs, this CPU is even suitable for light video editing. The downside is the same as with other 12th generation processors. You need a new LGA 1700 motherboard. You'll have a powerful processor for the coming years, but it costs more than an 11th generation processor.
- Suitable for a future-proof desktop.
- Very high clock speed and turbo speed for mid-range.
- You'll need an LGA 1700 motherboard.
Intel Core i9 11900K: competitive gaming
The Intel Core i9 11900K stands out with its higher base and turbo speed up to 4.8GHz. This makes this CPU suitable for competitive gaming, especially in combination with the built-in 750 Xe video card. With this chip, you don't need a dedicated video card for 1080p gaming. The downside of this processor is that it reaches a lower fps than similar processors. This processor is still more than suitable for the most demanding tasks. Do you want an affordable high-end option and not switch motherboards? Choose the 11900K.
- Suitable for gaming and multitasking.
- Built-in 750 Xe video chip, suitable for 1080p gaming.
- Less fps in competitive gaming than with comparable processors.
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Intel Core i7 11700K: more demanding office tasks and light gaming
The Intel Core i7 11700K is a suitable choice if you want to get started with more demanding office tasks and light competitive gaming. With 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 5.0GHz overclock speed, this 11th generation i7 processor is powerful enough for demanding tasks. In addition, this CPU has an Intel UHD 770 video card that's suitable for light games at a high fps. The downside is that this processor is less future-proof than the 12700K and it's also less suitable for tasks that require more cores. Think if rendering large company videos or using 3D models.
- Higher base and turbo speed than similar models.
- Built-in Intel UHD 770 video card.
- Unsuitable for demanding multitasking or multi-core work.
Conclusion
When you're looking for a future-proof setup, the 12th generation Intel Core Alder Lake processors are a good choice. These all support PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM, but they only work with a new LGA 1700 motherboard. When you need an upgrade within the current LGA 1200 setup, choose an 11th generation Rocket Lake CPU. Only choose a 12th generation processor when you want a big upgrade for your desktop. The 11th generation processors offer enough power your current setup with an LGA 1200 motherboard.
Article by Giorgos
Processor expert.
