Intel's i5 12500 is a weird processor. It is around $40 more expensive than the i5 12400(F) for slightly higher clocks and a better iGPU that most gamers will not care about - which is the thing Alder Lake focuses most on from what we've seen. It is not good value. This does not mean it is a bad CPU, it is still very capable of gaming and could be more capable in workstation and desktop use thanks to the improved iGPU. I do not believe it deserves a $40 tax for those situations though. [Apr '22Waaaaaal]
If there is any chance whatsoever that you may decide to overclock your CPU then it makes a lot more sense to go for the 2600K "K" version which, thanks to its unlocked clock multiplier, is a lot easier to overclock. For the few extra pounds it costs, I would recommend taking the K version just on the off chance because there are easily 10%+ performance gains to be had. Otherwise this is still a superb processor and still holds its own against the i7-4770 which is its two generations newer replacement. [Feb '12CPUPro]
We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.