Atom x5-E3940 vs Core i7-12700K
Atom x5-E3940
Core i7-12700K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Atom x5-E3940 is positioned at rank #337 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-E3940
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom x5-E3940 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Apollo Lake (2014−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom x5-E3940 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom x5-E3940 and Core i7-12700K
Atom x5-E3940
The Atom x5-E3940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,816 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The Atom x5-E3940 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Atom x5-E3940 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 94.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Atom x5-E3940 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-E3940 scores 1,816 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 179.9% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-E3940 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Atom x5-E3940 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 12 / 20+200% |
| Boost Clock | 1.8 GHz | 5 GHz+178% |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz+125% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total)+60% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Apollo Lake (2014−2016) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 1,816 | 34,347+1791% |
Memory & Platform
The Atom x5-E3940 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1866 on the Atom x5-E3940 versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 6 (Atom x5-E3940) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 14 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1296 (Atom x5-E3940) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Atom x5-E3940 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1296 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1866 | 4800+159900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+6553500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 6 | 20+233% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-E3940) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 500 (Atom x5-E3940) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Atom x5-E3940 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 500 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
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