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CPU Comparison: FPS, Specs & Value

Core i5-12600K vs Core i5-4590

The Core i5-12600K is much faster than the Core i5-4590 on average across 100+ games. We cannot compare value as at least one CPU is out of stock.

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CPU

Out of StockView CPUAll CPUs

Up to 89% faster on average across 100+ games
Is 7 years and 7 months newer
Available for $289

CPU

$48.59View CPUAll CPUs

FPS Comparison Across Popular Games

Predicted average FPS at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, based on real game benchmarks.

Resolution

Quality

Paired GPU

View Compare All GPUs

Select GPU

Grand Theft Auto V2013

219FPS

200FPS

688FPS

492FPS

League of Legends2009

Core i5-12600K

351FPS

Core i5-4590

189FPS

Escape From Tarkov2017

Core i5-12600K

249FPS

Core i5-4590

215FPS

Valorant2020

Core i5-12600K

724FPS

Core i5-4590

570FPS

Minecraft2011

Core i5-12600K

758FPS

Core i5-4590

598FPS

Dota 22013

Core i5-12600K

260FPS

Core i5-4590

181FPS

Call of Duty: Warzone 2.02020

Core i5-12600K

242FPS

Core i5-4590

234FPS

Specs & Benchmark Comparison

Side-by-side specs, synthetic benchmarks, and key hardware differences.

Scorehelp

Core i5-12600K

57%

Core i5-4590

21%

Core i5-12600K ranks 36 points higher.

Coreshelp

Core i5-12600K

Core i5-4590

Core i5-12600K has 6 more cores.

Threadshelp

Core i5-12600K

Core i5-4590

Core i5-12600K has 12 more threads.

L3 Cachehelp

Core i5-12600K

20 MB

Core i5-4590

6 MB

Core i5-12600K has 14 MB more L3 cache.

Base Frequencyhelp

Core i5-12600K

3.7 GHz

Core i5-4590

3.3 GHz

Core i5-12600K has a 12% higher base clock.

Turbo Frequencyhelp

Core i5-12600K

4.9 GHz

Core i5-4590

3.7 GHz

Core i5-12600K boosts 32% higher.

TDPhelp

Core i5-12600K

125W

Core i5-4590

84W

Core i5-4590 draws 41W less power.

Pricehelp

Core i5-12600K

Core i5-4590

$48.59

Core i5-12600KCore i5-4590

LGA1700

Sockethelp

LGA1150

Alder Lake-S

Codenamehelp

Haswell

Desktop

Segmenthelp

Desktop

UHD Graphics 770

Integrated GPUhelp

Intel HD 4600

3200 MHz (DDR4), 4800 MHz (DDR5)

RAMhelp

DDR3

Overclockable

Overclock Supporthelp

Not Overclockable

Frequently Asked Questions

compare_arrowsWhich is better, Core i5-12600K or Core i5-4590?expand_more

The Core i5-12600K. It's 171% faster than the Core i5-4590 on average across 100+ games, scoring 57/100 vs 21/100 in our gaming rating.

speedHow much faster is Core i5-12600K than Core i5-4590?expand_more

171% faster on average. The gap varies by game and resolution, check the per-game FPS comparison above.

aspect_ratioWhich is better for 1440p and 4K gaming, Core i5-12600K or Core i5-4590?expand_more

The Core i5-12600K is faster at both resolutions. Toggle the resolution selector above to see per-game FPS.

paidIs the Core i5-12600K worth buying in 2026?expand_more

It scores 57/100 in our gaming rating, faster than most CPUs on the market. Good buy if the price is right.

differenceWhat is the difference between Core i5-12600K and Core i5-4590?expand_more

Performance: Core i5-12600K scores 57/100, Core i5-4590 scores 21/100. They also differ in core count, clock speeds, L3 cache, and power draw. Full breakdown in the specs section above.

compressWill the Core i5-12600K or Core i5-4590 bottleneck my PC?expand_more

Depends on the rest of your build, especially your GPU. Swap the paired GPU in the FPS section above to see if it limits performance, or use our bottleneck calculator for a full analysis.

upgradeIs it worth upgrading to the Core i5-12600K or Core i5-4590?expand_more

The Core i5-12600K is the stronger pick at 57/100. Compare your current CPU against it to see the exact FPS gain across 100+ games.