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Best GPU for Core i5-12600K in 2024 – our top Nvidia and AMD picks

Last Updated on September 25, 2024
Best GPU for Core i5-12600K
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The Intel Core i5-12600K is still a viable option for gaming, but pairing it with a GPU is no less tedious. There are various options from Team Red and Green that you can choose from, and that is where the problem lies. Should you go for a base mode or a Ti model? Or skip Nvidia and go for Team Red’s XT GPUs?

We’ve reviewed a good number of GPUs and have put each one through intense testing to get an idea of their real-life performance. We made sure to check the cards in several games to find out if they’re worth the money. Based on that, we’ve selected a few options that we think are the right fit for this CPU.

Products at a glance

How we picked

We researched the market and found various options from Nvidia and AMD. We filtered those options based on their price, compatibility, performance, and other features, such as DLSS and FSR. On top of that, we also conduct rigorous in-house testing of the cards. This gives us insight into how they’ll perform, and we can help you pair them with various CPUs. We’re always updating our list with the latest information, so if there are better pairings than these, we’ll be sure to update them, so check back with us.

Best GPU for I5-12600K overall
01
  • A Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Eagle OC graphics card with triple fans illuminated by blue light.
  • The Gigabyte RTX 4070 is displayed on a white desk with a blue LED light background.
Highly Recommended
Specifications
  • GPU: AD104
  • CUDA cores: 5,888
  • VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
  • Bandwidth: 504.2 GB/s
  • Memory bus width: 192-bit
  • Base clock speed: 1920 MHz
  • Boost clock speed: 2505 MHz
Reasons to Buy
  • More efficient power draw as compared to the RTX 3070 Ti
  •  Plenty of ports for a multi-monitor setup
  •  Better in-game performance with DLSS 3.5
Reasons to Avoid
  • 12 GB of VRAM might be limiting for some
  •  More efficient at 1440p than 4K
  •  Large size may not fit all cases

You might’ve expected the RTX 3070 or the RX 7700 XT to be at the top of the list, but during our hands-on review of the RTX 4070, we found that it performed exceptionally well for a mid-range card. 

This graphics card performed well up to 1440p with 74 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 but saw a dramatic decrease with 27 FPS at 4K. That said, Cyberpunk 2077 is a demanding game to run, and other titles like The Finals should comfortably be in the 50+ FPS range. Well-optimized titles like Doom Eternal have better performance, so title optimization also plays a part in this GPU’s performance. 

First, this GPU has a base clock speed of 1.92 GHz and a turbo clock speed of 2.48 GHz. While these clock speeds might not seem impressive on paper, you should know that GPUs mainly focus on processing large amounts of data simultaneously. So, these clock speeds should be more than enough to deliver stellar gaming performance, and you can always set it to its highest settings for more snappier performance. 

It features 5,888 CUDA cores, which are also responsible for its ability to handle and process large data sets in parallel without sacrificing performance. It also features 67 Teraflops (TFLOPS) of Ray Tracing cores, which transform your in-game graphics into serene visuals and enhance your gaming experience. So, with this GPU powering your graphics, you should get a seamless experience and stable framerates. 

Regarding its VRAM, it sports 12 GB of GDDR6X memory with a 192-bit memory interface. The memory interface is responsible for the amount of data that can travel at any moment. So, the greater the memory interface width, the better and faster the performance. On top of that, the 12 GB VRAM should allow you to tweak in-game settings or use ultra presets without burdening the memory. So, these two aspects should complement each other and deliver good performance. 

You can expect a 4070 to achieve 1440p gaming easily. It may not achieve 4k in the latest games, but it will with older titles.

PC Guide

As far as connectivity is concerned, this graphic card has two HDMI ports and three display ports. What this means is that you have enough options to connect multiple monitors for a multi-monitor setup. On top of that, this GPU supports a maximum resolution of 4K at 240 Hz and 8K at Hz. That said, running two or more monitors with full resolution and a 240 Hz refresh rate won’t be possible for a single GPU. 

According to Nvidia, this GPU’s idle and average power draws are 10W and 186W, respectively. However, these numbers can fluctuate depending on the workload, especially if you’ve overclocked your GPU. In that case, it’s recommended to have an adequately ventilated case, and we’ve got you covered with our best airflow PC case guide.

Lastly, this GPU has the latest DLSS 3.5, which should help boost in-game frame rates by using AI to render and upscale them to the appropriate resolution. And regarding raw performance, the RTX 4070 performed 3.5 times better than the RTX 3070 Ti in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, with DLSS and Ray Tracing maxed out at overdrive.

While newer releases like the RTX 4070 Super might overshadow the base model, it doesn’t knock it out of the race. Given its performance and benchmarks, we think it’s one of the best GPUs for this processor. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, this GPU has excellent aesthetics, performance, value, and thermal design. One reviewer stated, “This graphics card will inject nitrous into your gaming visuals!” followed by, “Great middle of the line card that is best for cost and performance!”So, at the time of writing, this GPU has a 4.7 out of 5.0 rating, and its performance made it a well-liked option among users.

Best AMD GPU for i5-12600K
02
  • A high-performance RX 7700 XT dual-fan graphics card on a desk with a blurred background.
  • A review of the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT graphics card lying horizontally with its backplate visible against a blurred background, showcasing why it's worth it.
  • RX 7700 XT heatsink
  • Branding of the RX 7700 XT
  • Slot width of the 7700 XT
  • Fans of the RX 7700 XT
Specifications
  • GPU: Navi 32
  • Stream Processors: 3,456
  • VRAM: 12GB GDDR6
  • Bandwidth: 432 GB/sec
  • Memory bus width: 192-bit
  • Base clock speed: 1,435 MHz
  • Boost clock speed: 2,544 MHz
Reasons to Buy
  • Has AMD Infinity Cache technology for faster processing
  •  FSR3 + Frame Generation significantly boosts performance in some titles
  •  Excellent 1440p performance
  •  Cheaper than the RTX 4070
Reasons to Avoid
  • Not the best native 4K performance
  •  12 GB of GDDR6 memory might be a limiting factor for some

If you’re looking for the best AMD GPU to pair with your Intel CPU, we recommend you check out the RX 7700 XT. Not only does it cost less than our top pick, but it also performs well at 1440p, as we found out during our in-house testing

This GPU managed 122, 79, and 36 FPS at 1080p, 1440, and 4K ultra settings in Cyberpunk 2077, respectively. We can see that 1080p and 1440p seem to be the sweet spot for this card, and while 4K might be playable, less than 60FPS is generally considered less than ideal. 

This GPU has 3,456 stream processors, which are AMD’s equivalent of CUDA cores. However, they are directly relatable in performance as both have their unique architecture and way of processing information. That said, these stream processes combined with its base frequency of 2,171 MHz and boost frequency of 2,544 MHz should result in top-notch 1080p and 1440p gaming at high and ultra presets.

It features 12 GB of GDDR6 memory with a 192-bit memory interface. This specification is almost the same as the RTX 4070, with the difference being the memory type. That said, this GPU has the AMD Infinity Cache technology. This is a specialized L3 cache that is visible for the complete graphics core. It stores frequently accessed and needed data directly onto the high-speed GPU memory. This means that the GPU doesn’t have to go through the usual system checks and can retrieve, process, and deliver the output much quicker. 

If you’re working with a more limited budget for modern gaming and don’t want to miss out then the AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT could be just what you’ve been waiting for.

PC Guide

This technology should significantly boost your system’s overall graphic capabilities and help render games faster. On top of that, it features the AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). This deal with Ray Tracing in AMD GPUs, and while Team Green has the lead in this domain, Team Red is making significant progress, and the results aren’t something you can put aside. So, if single-player gaming with ray tracing on is something you’re interested in, this GPU has you covered. 

According to AMD, with FSR 3 performance mode and Frame Generation turned on, you should go from 33 FPS to 103 FPS in titles like Forspoken at 4K resolution. This massive increase in performance shows that DLSS isn’t the only contender in the market. However, Frame Generation depends on what GPU you have, if you’re running the supported titles, and whether you’re hitting 60 FPS for Frame Generation to kick in. 

While this graphic card can handle 4K gaming, that is most likely not the case for every title. That said, the RX 7700 XT shines at 1440p. Here are the results for some titles at 1440p and max settings, as claimed by AMD. 

  • Resident Evil 4: 84 FPS (RT High)
  • Hogwarts Legacy: 79 FPS
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales: 80 FPS (RT Very High)
  • The Callisto Protocol: 77 FPS

Lastly, the RX 7700 XT is compatible with AMD Smart Access Memory. This puts the CPU and the GPU in direct contact for faster data access and processing, resulting in better performance. However, this won’t come into effect if you pair it with an Intel CPU, but if you ever upgrade it to a Ryzen chipset, this should come into play and boost the overall performance.

What users say

The user reception of the RX 7700 XT on Amazon is positive, and its reviews praise it for its performance and ease of installation. One user said, “It won’t run 4k games fast, but 1080p and 1440p usually work quite well. It’s also very quiet.”

Best Nvidia GPU for the i5-12600K
03
  • RTX 3080 and packaging
  • Slot width of the RTX 3080
  • Backplate of the RTX 3080
  • PCIe power connectors of the RTX 3080
  • Fans of the RTX 3080
  • Close up on the RTX 3080
  • ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3080
Highly Recommended
Specifications
  • GPU: GA102
  • CUDA cores: 8,704
  • VRAM: 10GB GDDR6X
  • Bandwidth: 760.3 GB/s
  • Memory bus width: 320-bit
  • Base clock speed : 1440 MHz
  • Boost clock speed: 1905 MHz
Reasons to Buy
  • Relatively cheap compared to other options
  •  Can make use of DLSS 3.5 and Nvidia Reflex
  •  Great for 1440p gaming
  •  Good balance between performance and value
Reasons to Avoid
  • Newer generation cards outshine it in 4K gaming
  •  High power consumption

If you’re looking for the best Nvidia GPU for i5-12600K, check out the RTX 3080. The shift from the 4000 series to the 3000 series might come as a surprise, but its price and performance during the RTX 3080 review made it a strong contender even years after its initial release. 

During our testing, the RTX 3080 had a stellar performance and delivered playable framerates across all resolutions. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, it managed 163, 137, and 84 FPS with max settings in 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, respectively. On top of that, its Ray Tracing results were excellent, and while the number did get a hit, they were still playable with 132, 95, and 55 FPS in the respective resolutions. 

As for competitive shooters like CS:GO, this GPU completely blew it out of the water with 347, 344, and 333 FPS in 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, respectively. So, regardless of the type of games you want to play, this graphics card should handle anything you throw at it. 

This GPU comes in 10 and 12 GB variants, and both have the same boost clock of 1.71 GHz. The difference is in the base clock speed, which is 1.26 and 1.44 GHz, respectively. What this means is that depending on the version you choose, you’d get more or less performance, but generally, the 12 GB version is preferred due to the obvious increase in performance. 

In addition, the 12 GB version has 256 more CUDA cores, 8,960, compared to the 10 GB variant’s 8,704. CUDA cores are responsible for handling a large amount of data that needs to be processed in parallel. So, the more cores there are, the better and faster the performance will be. 

For QHD gaming, this card is an absolute powerhouse and should easily blow through various titles

PC Guide

Both variants have GDDR6X memory, which should also contribute to the top-notch performance when paired with the Intel processor. However, the 12 GB variant has a 384-bit memory interface width compared to the 10 GB’s 320-bit. The higher memory interface means more data can travel comfortably, which means less bottleneck risk and better performance. 

According to Nvidia, at 4K, which has the highest game settings, the RTX 3080 had close to 100 FPS in Control while the RTX 2080 struggled to cross 60 FPS. However, this doesn’t mean that you’ll see similar performance across all titles, and you most likely will have to tweak some in-game and DLSS settings. 

That said, since all RTX cards can use DLSS 3.5, the performance should be decent at 4K, but for QHD gaming, this card is an absolute powerhouse and should easily blow through various titles. However, one thing to remember is that its market value might dip since the 50 series is rumored to be released later this year

All in all, despite being a last-generation card, the RTX 3080 is still making waves in benchmarks and is still widely being used. For an i5 12th gen CPU, this GPU is one of the best options, especially if you plan on gaming at 1440p and want to keep costs under check. 

What users say

According to Amazon reviews, users are satisfied with its performance. While some have mentioned that it’s loud during heavy load, there was no mention of this GPU running hot, which speaks toward its thermal design. One reviewer stated: “I love how easy it was to install, and it performs great. I would definitely recommend buying this graphics card.”

Best budget GPU for i5-12600K
04
  • RTX 4060 and packaging
  • RTX 4060 vertical
  • ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4060
Specifications
  • GPU: AD107 die
  • CUDA cores: 3,072
  • VRAM: 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
  • Bandwidth: 272 GB/s
  • Memory bus width: 128-bit memory bus
  • Base clock speed: 1830 MHz
  • Boost clock speed: 2670 MHz
Reasons to Buy
  • It costs less than the RTX 4080 and has better performance
  • Handles 4K native gaming
  • Excellent synthetic benchmark results
Reasons to Avoid
  • It still costs over $1000

If you’re not planning to overspend on a GPU and want something affordable instead, then you can opt for the RTX 4060. This is an entry-level card in the RTX 40-series lineup, but it still delivers decent performance for the price it comes at. In our RTX 4060 review, we found it to be a great option for budget builds.

To begin with, the RTX 4060 offers 8GB of VRAM. This much memory is enough for most games at 1080p, and you can even get away with it at 1440p. However, you won’t be able to get those Ultra settings.

Aside from that, the 4060 offers 3,072 CUDA Cores, which are enough for tasks that don’t require a lot of GPU power. You should still be able to do video editing, light animation, and gaming with these many CUDA Cores. The GPU also offers a bandwidth of 272 GB/s paired with a memory bus width of 128-bit.

The Nvidia RTX 4060 is a solid video card for 1080p and 1440p gaming at a good price point.

PC Guide

As far as the clock speeds are concerned, the RTX 4060 operates at a base clock speed of 1,830 MHz. The GPU will run at this speed when you launch a game or a GPU-intensive application. However, when more power is required, the speed can go up to 2,670 MHz.

Coming down to the performance, we tested the RTX 4060 in several games at 1080 and 1440p. In games like CS:GO and Rainbow Six Siege, we were getting 493 and 393 FPS at 1080p and 299 and 241 FPS at 1440p, respectively. We then launched some demanding titles, like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and the RTX 4060 was able to deliver 77 and 106 FPS at 1080, respectively. Keep in mind that we were playing these games with everything set to Ultra. At 1440p, we were still getting 48 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077, while the number stayed above 80 in AC Valhalla.

Overall, if you’re tight on a budget, then the RTX 4060 is a great option. It won’t disappoint you in 1080p gaming, and it should help run some titles smoothly at 1440p.

What users say

The RTX 4060 has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon, which is pretty impressive. Most of the users who purchased the card are satisfied with its performance and cooling.

Best performance GPU for i5-12600K
05
  • RTX 4080 Super review for PC Guide
  • Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super graphics card with box and accessories displayed on a desk with colorful PC hardware in the background.
  • Nvidia RTX 4080 ti.
  • Gigabyte geforce rtx 4080 super, the best GPU for Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X
  • Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super
Highly Recommended
Specifications
  • GPU: AD103
  • CUDA Cores: 10,240
  • VRAM: 16GB GDDR6X
  • Bandwidth: 736.3 GB/s
  • Memory bus width: 256-bit
  • Base clock speed: 2295 MHz
  • Boost clock speed: 2550 MHz
Reasons to Buy
  • It costs less than the RTX 4080 and has better performance
  • Handles 4K native gaming
  • Excellent synthetic benchmark results
Reasons to Avoid
  • It still costs over $1000

For our last pick, we went with Team Green’s high-end RTX 4080 Super because, during our in-house testing, it had an impressive performance in gaming and synthetic benchmarks. 

The RTX 4080 Super managed to easily handle Cyberpunk 2077 natively and churned 125 and 51 FPS at 1440p and 4K, respectively. With its AI upscaling capabilities, you can expect even better results, and for competitive games like The Finals, which are less demanding, it managed 189 and 99 FPS at Epic settings. 

These results should give you an idea about how powerful this GPU is and that you should be able to run games for years to come. Its performance is courtesy of the hardware it packs under the hood. It features 10,240 CUDA cores, 121 TFLOPS of Ray Tracing cores, a base clock of 2.29 GHz, and a boost clock of 2.55 GHz. CUDA cores are responsible for doing all the heavy lifting, while the Ray Tracing cores are responsible for turning your in-game graphics into breathtaking visuals.

Add to this its 16GB of GDDR6X memory with a 256-bit memory interface, and you’ve got a killer combination capable of making quick work of anything you put in front of it, which we also witnessed during our tests. 

It delivers across the board in terms of high-end gaming performance in 1440p and 4K while being just as powerful for content creators, too.

PC Guide

The RTX 4080 Super has a length of 304mm (11.9”) and a width of 137 (5.3”). This means it’s not a small card by any means, and you’ll need to ensure that your PC case has enough space to house it while leaving enough space for adequate ventilation. This is important because, according to Nvidia, this GPU has an average gaming power of 246W and a total power draw of 320W, which makes sense considering its performance, but it is also on the higher side. 

So, we recommend using the best PSU for RTX 4080 Super and housing it in one of the best open-air PC cases to ensure it doesn’t overheat and performs optimally. 

Lastly, it has a handful of Nvidia technologies at its disposal, such as Nvidia Reflex for competitive gamers and Nvidia Studio for content creators, offering services like 3D animation, video editing, and more. 

What users say

At the time of writing, the RTX 4080 Super has a 5 out of 5 rating on Amazon and has 100% 5-star reviews. There aren’t many reviews, but this is what one reviewer had to say about this GPU: “The Gigabyte 4080 super doesn’t disappoint!” and we can wholeheartedly agree with this.

Things to consider

Selecting a GPU for any processor sounds like a simple task, but a handful of factors come into play and ones you need to consider before making a decision. Spending your money on the most decked-out options isn’t wise, as unless you have an enthusiast build, you won’t need all that firepower. So, to help you make an informed decision, we’ve listed some of the factors below.

Budget

The first thing you need to consider is your budget and the options available to you. The processor in question isn’t a high-end option, so spending top dollar on a GPU that costs double its price doesn’t make sense. So, opt for a GPU that complements this CPU and falls under a relative price range even if it’s not part of the latest generation.

Your requirements

The GPU that works best for you depends on what you want to use it for. For example, if 1440p gaming is something you plan on doing, an RTX 3080, 3070 Ti, or even an RTX 4060 might cut it for you. However, if 4K gaming, heavy rendering, editing, and training are part of your plan, then going for a high-end option such as the RTX 4090, which we also have an in-depth review of, might be the option for you.

Reviews

Putting time into watching videos and reading through reviews is a good way of understanding how a GPU you’re leaning toward will perform with your setup. There are plenty of sources out there, and you can find setups like your own, which is the best-case scenario. However, even if a couple of components are different, the performance shouldn’t vary much and give you a good idea of what you can expect.

Power consumption and cooling

The stronger a graphic card is, the more power it’ll require to perform optimally. If you get your hands on a high-end GPU, it’ll consume more power, which can affect costs in the long term and generate more heat. To dissipate that heat and keep your GPU from throttling, you’ll need to get a variant with triple fans or a suitable casing with powerful case fans.

In some GPUs, there is also the option to switch directly between performance and quiet mode. The quiet mode controls the clock speeds, meaning the GPU is relatively cool and doesn’t draw more power.

However, in performance mode, the clock and fan speed are ramped up to keep the temperature under control while delivering the best performance. So, depending on your ambient temperature and current casing, the GPU you opt for and its design might impact the overall performance.

What is the minimum PSU for i5-12600K?

The minimum PSU requirement depends on your overall build. If you have powerful components or parts that are overclocked, they’ll draw more power and will require a PSU with a high capacity. For example, if you pair an i5-12600K with an RTX 3080, then a 650-750W PSU would be recommended just to be on the safe side.

What RAM is compatible with i5 12600K?

According to the processor’s product specification page, it is compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM as it supports the PCI Express standard 4.0 and 5.0. However, there is an upper limit, as pairing with a maximum of 1600 MHz DDR4 and 2400 MHz DDR5 RAM is recommended.

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows