Which Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor suits you?

With 20 threads and 14 cores of which 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores, the Intel Core i5 13600K is the most powerful processor from the mid-range of the 13th generation. The turbo speed of this CPU is 5.1GHz, which makes it the first Intel i5 processor above 5GHz. The largest boost compared to the 12600K is the larger cache memory and memory controller. This CPU stores even more frequently-used files and supports a higher RAM clock speed. In short, everything is faster than with the 12th generation Intel processors.

• Higher clock speeds than the 12th generation i5 CPUs.
• More cache and compatible with faster DDR5 RAM.

• You'll need an LGA 1700 motherboard.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is part of the AMD Ryzen 7000 series and is the first generation that doesn't support AM4 socket. The new AM5 socket has many advantages in combination with the 7600X. The base clock speed goes up to 4.7GHz, with a turbo speed of 5.3GHz even. Thanks to this, the 7600X is more than twice as fast as its predecessor, the 5600X. You can also benefit from the future-proofness of the PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support. In short, the 7600X is a suitable choice if you're looking for a mid-range CPU for a light gaming build.

• The base and turbo speed is twice as high as its predecessor.
• Offers PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for the AM5 socket.

• You'll need a new AMD AM5 motherboard.

The Intel Core i5 12600K is the most powerful CPU from the Intel 12th generation mid-range class. The 3.7GHz base clock speed is the same as that of the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. It does have a higher turbo speed of 4.9GHz compared to 4.6GHz. This way, the 12600K works faster in demanding situations. With the 10 cores and the 16 threads, this processor is suitable for more demanding photo editing and even light video editing. You do need a LGA 1700 socket on your motherboard for this processor, otherwise it won't work. That means you probably need a new motherboard and DDR5 RAM.

• Suitable for a future-proof desktop.
• Very high clock speed and turbo speed for mid-range.

• You need an LGA 1700 motherboard.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is less future-proof than the Intel Core i5 12600K, but it offers enough power for a mid-range desktop. With 6 cores and 12 threads, you can multitask smoothly. It has the same clock speed as the 12600K. The largest advantage is the energy consumption. With a maximum TDP of 65W, this processor is almost 2 times as energy-efficient as similar CPUs. The biggest downside is that it doesn't have a built-in video chip. This way, you need a separate video card to use this processor.

• Suitable for multitasking, thanks to the high speeds.
• More energy-efficient than similar Intel i5 CPUs.

• Not built-in video chip, you need a dedicated video card.

The flagship mid-range 11th generation processor is the Intel Core i5 11600K. With 6 cores and 12 threads, this CPU is similar to the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. These processors still differ in how you use the cores. The 11600K reaches higher speeds with single-core use like office jobs, photo editing, or light games. The 11600K has a faster turbo speed and it's more affordable than the 5600X. The largest advantage is the built-in video chip. With the Intel Core i5 11600K, you don't need a dedicated video card. Do you want to get started with more demanding multitasking? Choose the AMD 5600X, because the cores of this processor are more suitable for that.

• Built-in video chip.
• Suitable for everyday multitasking.

• Not suitable for demanding jobs, like video editing.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is almost the same as the 5600X, but there are small differences. The clock speed and turbo speed of the 5600 are a bit lower than those of the 5600X. For the rest, these processors have the same specifications. The largest advantage is the price of the Ryzen 5 5600. Is the small difference in speed no problem for you? Choose the 5600 and save money for other components. For example for a video card, because you don't have a built-in video chip, just like the 5600X.

• Almost the same as the 5600X, but more affordable.
• More efficient in use than similar Intel i5 CPUs.

• No built-in video chip, so you need a dedicated video card.