Intel Core i5-12500

Brand
Intel
Model
Intel Core i5-12500
$348–$385estimated range · from catalog price Aug 15, 2026

Intel Core i5-12500: 12th‑gen Alder Lake, 6C/12T, 3.0–4.6 GHz, LGA1700 with DDR4/DDR5 and UHD 770; mainstream non‑K chip with bundled RM1 cooler.

Compute rankTop 74% of CPUs
TierMainstream?GixCore tierWhat a part was built to do — not what it costs.EntryBudgetMainstreamHigh endEnthusiastFlagship A part can be cheap because it is an ageing flagship, or because it is a current entry-level model. The tier tells you which.
Released2022
As an Amazon Associate, GixCore earns from qualifying purchases.Pricing note?This range is based on our last recorded catalog price and is not a quote. Check Amazon for the current price.
Cores6
Threads12
SocketFCLGA1700
MemoryDDR4 / DDR5
Base clock3 GHz
Boost clock4.60 GHz
TDP65 W
Cache18 MB
GixCore Editorial

Product overview

Launched in Q1 2022, the Core i5-12500 is a 12th‑gen “Alder Lake” desktop CPU with six Performance cores and 12 threads, a 3.0 GHz base and up to 4.6 GHz boost. It fits LGA1700 platforms with either DDR4‑3200 or DDR5‑4800 memory and exposes PCIe 5.0/4.0 lanes; Intel UHD Graphics 770 is integrated.Sourceintel.com

Positioned as a mainstream part, it exists to deliver strong everyday and gaming performance without the cost or heat of overclockable K‑SKUs; as a non‑K model its multipliers are locked. It’s a solid choice for 1080p gaming, office/productivity, light video editing, and streaming, with Quick Sync available if you run iGPU‑only. Boxed units include Intel’s Laminar RM1 cooler. Intel ARK currently lists its marketing status as Launched (not discontinued).Sourceintel.comSourceintel.comSourceintel.com

Best for
  • 1080p gaming
  • office/productivity
  • streaming
  • video editing
Official product specifications

Specifications

At a glance iEach dot represents a catalog model. Farther right means a higher measured value, not necessarily a better fit.Measured against the CPUs catalog
Current modelCatalog models
Cores6
Higher than 46% of CPUs
Threads12
Higher than 50% of CPUs
Boost clock4.6 GHZ
Higher than 47% of CPUs
RAM speed3200 MT/s
Higher than 73% of CPUs
Cores
6
Threads
12
Socket
FCLGA1700
Memory
DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800
Base clock
3 GHZ
Boost clock
4.6 GHZ
TDP
65 W
Cache
18 MB
Generation
12
Bus Speed
16 GT/s
Max Memory Size
128 GB
ECC Support
Yes
Hyper Threading
Yes
Turbo Boost
Yes
Chipset
Intel 600 Series
Ram Speed
3200 MT/s
Pairing fit

Compatible Motherboards

Compatible options ranked for this part's performance class.

Pairing fit

Compatible RAM kits

Compatible options ranked for this part's performance class.