The much-anticipated Intel 12th-generation Core processors will go on sale on November 4th. The first batch will bring six CPU models with K unlocked frequency. The models include three built-in UHD 770 core graphics cards i9-12900K, i7 -12700K, and i5-12600K, as well as i9-12900KF, i7-12700KF and i5-12600KF non-core display versions, adopt a new LGA1700 slot, based on 10nmESF process technology and new hybrid architecture, and support the new PCIe5.0 and new DDR5 memory, while introducing the latest XMP3.0 technology. Among them, the i5 12600K is positioned as the mid-range mainstream, so what motherboard is good for the i5-12600K? Let’s share the knowledge of Intel Core i5-12600K/KF and motherboard matching.
Intel has launched a 12th-generation Core CPU based on 10nm ESF process technology, the core code is Alder Lake-S, it uses a new LGA1700 socket, and for the first time adopts a new high-performance hybrid architecture, also known as the “big and small core” design. The performance core that dominates performance, called the P core, adopts the Golden Cove architecture, mainly focusing on heavy-duty large-scale applications of games and productivity tools. Compared with the 11th generation Core Rocket Lake, the performance has increased by 16%, while compared with The performance of the 10th generation Core Comet Lake has increased by 28%. The small core is mainly aimed at the energy efficiency core of energy efficiency performance, called the E core, which adopts the Gracemot architecture design, which mainly increases the carrying capacity of multi-thread throughput and background management. Supports new PCIe5.0 and new DDR5 memory, the basic frequency of DDR5 memory is 4800MHz and introduces the latest XMP3.0 technology.
What is the difference between i5-12600K and i5-12600KF?
The i5-12600K has a built-in UHD770 core display, while the i5-12600KF has no built-in core display, so the price is more affordable and cost-effective, but other parameters remain the same, so the performance of the two is the same, and the matching motherboard is also the same. Since the i5-12600KF has no built-in core display, it must be equipped with an independent graphics card to light up.
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Intel Core i5 12600K Specification Sheet
As for which motherboard is best suitable for i5 12600K or i5-12600KF, then you need to understand the interface type of this CPU first. After all, the interface type of the CPU must be consistent with the CPU slot of the motherboard to be compatible. A new generation of motherboards will also be listed. Regarding the specifications of the Intel Core i5-12600K, take a look at the following table!
| Core code | Alder Lake-S |
| Interface Type | LGA1700 |
| Process technology | intel 7 (10nm ESF) |
| number of cores | 10 cores (6 performance cores + 4 energy efficiency cores) |
| number of threads | 16 threads |
| Performance Core Base Frequency | 3.7GHz |
| Performance Core Base Frequency | 2.8GHz |
| Maximum turbo frequency | 4.9GHz |
| L3 cache | 20MB |
| Basic power consumption | 125W |
| memory support | DDR5-4800 DDR4-3200 |
| Core Graphics | intel UHD770 |
| Number of PCIe channels directly connected to the CPU | 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes |
| motherboard match | Compatible with intel 600 series, best for Z690 motherboard |
In terms of specifications, the Intel Core i5-12600K core is code-named Alder Lake-S, and it is not frequency-locked. It adopts a new high-performance hybrid architecture consisting of 6 performance cores + 4 energy-efficient cores. The final specification is 10 cores and 16 threads. Among them, the performance core (P core) adopts the Golden Cove architecture, the full core frequency is 3.7GHz, and the highest turbo frequency can reach 4.9GHz, while the energy efficiency core (E core) adopts the Gracemot architecture design, the full core frequency is 2.8GHz, The highest turbo frequency is 3.6GHz, equipped with L2 level cache of 9.5MB and L3 level smart cache of 20MB, and TDP power consumption of 125W.
It should be noted that the i5-12600K and KF adopt a new LGA 1700 interface, so they no longer support the previous generation 500 series motherboards, but need to be matched with the 600 series motherboards listed with the 12th generation CPU. In addition, third-party CPUs can be purchased When installing the radiator, be sure to pay attention to whether the radiator is equipped with an LGA1700 buckle.
Related Article: Best Motherboards for Intel Core i7-12700K
Which motherboard is good for intel Core i5 12600K/KF?
From the parameters, we know that i5-12600K and i5-12600KF are CPUs with an unlocked frequency design and support overclocking. Among them, H610 is positioned as an entry-level motherboard and does not support overclocking, so it can basically be ruled out, while the middle positioning of H670 is more embarrassing. The mainboard does not support overclocking, and it is basically a product ignored by the market. Although the B660 mainboard is positioned at a mainstream level, it does not support CPU overclocking, but the B660 supports memory frequency overclocking, and the high-spec Z690 mainboard supports overclocking. For this CPU Unlock the overclocking feature, so the best match between i5-12600K and i5-12600KF is the Z690 motherboard, and we know that the Z690 motherboard is a bit expensive, so for mid-range mainstream CPUs such as i5-12600K and i5-12600KF, it may include There are two collocation schemes, as follows.
Solution 1: i5-12600K/KF paired with a relatively cheap Z690 motherboard
There is also a relatively cheap Z690 on the market. You can use a small board Z690 motherboard or an affordable Z690 large board. This combination can meet the high-frequency requirements of i5-12600K/KF and meet the frequency requirements of overclocked CPUs.
Solution 2: i5-12600K/KF with B660 motherboard
This solution is to give up the overclocking CPU. After all, the performance of this CPU is completely sufficient. Overclocking will also bring about higher temperatures, which will affect the service life of the computer. There may also be a series of unstable phenomena. Problems, such as burning hardware, shrinking anus (unable to run stably at the default factory frequency), etc., the official cannot enjoy the warranty. Even if the CPU is overclocked, it can only bring about 5-10% performance improvement, and the performance improvement is not great. , Although B660 does not support CPU frequency overclocking, it supports overclocking memory frequency.
When choosing a motherboard, you must pay attention, because i5-12600K can support DDR4 and DDR5 memory. For example, when we buy a Z690 motherboard, the Z690 motherboard has a DDR4 version and a DDR5 version. If we are sure to use DDR5 memory, then we must choose The DDR5 version of the Z690 motherboard, but the Z690 motherboard that supports DDR5 and the DDR5 memory itself is much more expensive.
The above is the Intel Core i5 12600K/KF and motherboard matching knowledge shared. The motherboard that is best matched with the two CPUs of i5 12600K and i5 12600KF is Z690, which meets the needs of memory overclocking and CPU overclocking. It is recommended to choose ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI The three major brands can choose DDR4 and DDR5 versions of Z690 for personal needs. If the budget is limited and there is no need for CPU overclocking, of course, it is recommended to consider the mainstream B660 motherboard. Since the i5-12600KF does not have a built-in core display, the price is cheaper, especially for users with a single display installed. Of course, the performance of the two is exactly the same. I hope this article can help everyone.
