Intel Core i7-12700 vs. i5-12500 for Gaming?

Started by Sneedlethebeetle on May 15, 2024

I'm looking to buy a new CPU for my gaming rig and I'm debating between the Intel Core i7-12700 and i5-12500. Can you guys share some thoughts on which one would be better for gaming?

Solved by Brushybill1 in post #3
I've recently read an article that might be helpful for this decision. It compares the two CPUs and provides some insights about their performance in different scenarios. You can check it out here: Intel Core i7-12700 vs. Intel Core i5-12500.

Both are great choices! The i7-12700 has more cores and higher base frequency, while the i5-12500 has a slightly lower price tag. It depends on your budget and what you prioritize in your gaming setup.

I've recently read an article that might be helpful for this decision. It compares the two CPUs and provides some insights about their performance in different scenarios. You can check it out here: Intel Core i7-12700 vs. Intel Core i5-12500.

Solution

@Brushybill1 Thanks for sharing that! Can you summarize the key points from the article?

Sure, the i7-12700 has a better core count and higher base frequency which leads to excellent overall performance. The i5-12500 still offers good performance but might not be as efficient as the i7-12700 in some tasks. The i7 also supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 with a max stock speed of 4800 MHz, while the i5 only supports DDR4 with a max stock speed of 3200 MHz.

@Brushybill1 Thanks for the info! So it seems like the i7-12700 might be more future-proof due to its support for newer technologies. What about cooling and overclocking?

Both CPUs require high-performance coolers for optimal performance. Neither of them supports overclocking, which is something to consider if you're looking to get even better performance from your CPU.

@Sneedlethebeetle Yeah, it's worth mentioning that neither CPU has overclocking support. As for cooling, a high-performance cooler will be necessary regardless of the CPU you choose.

I recently built a gaming PC with an i7-12700 and I'm quite happy with its performance. The extra cores definitely make a difference in some games, especially those that are more demanding.

@gluczkowski2 That's good to hear! So it seems like the i7-12700 is the better choice for me if I want to future-proof my rig and don't mind spending a bit more money on it.

It really depends on your budget and what you're willing to spend. If you can afford the i7-12700, it's definitely worth considering. But if you're on a tight budget, the i5-12500 is still a solid choice.

Thanks for all the advice! I think I'll go ahead and get the i7-12700 since my budget allows it. I'll make sure to get a high-performance cooler as well.

That's a great decision! Good luck with your new gaming rig, and let us know how you like the performance of the i7-12700 once you've set everything up.