The Intel Core i5-12600K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing seven spec victories against three for the Intel Core i5-12400. The most impactful advantage for the winning processor is its inclusion of E-Cores, which provide a 100% improvement in that specific category. While the Intel Core i5-12400 maintains a 48% advantage in TDP, the overall technical superiority of the Intel Core i5-12600K makes it the more capable component across the majority of measured fields.

Users prioritizing multi-threaded performance and advanced core architecture should select the Intel Core i5-12600K to leverage its superior E-Core count. Conversely, those who require a more power-efficient solution should choose the Intel Core i5-12400, as it offers a significant advantage in TDP. Your decision should depend on whether your primary goal is maximizing raw core capacity or minimizing power consumption based on these specific hardware differences.