
Core 2 Duo SU7300 vs Core i7-12700K

Core 2 Duo SU7300

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 Core 2 Duo SU7300 is positioned at rank #43 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Great 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 Core 2 Duo SU7300
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SU7300 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($289) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SU7300 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2228%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($289) | ✅ More affordable ($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 Core 2 Duo SU7300 and Core i7-12700K

Core 2 Duo SU7300
The Core 2 Duo SU7300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,496 points. Launch price was $249.

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 Core 2 Duo SU7300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SU7300 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 117.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 1.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SU7300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SU7300 scores 1,496 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 183.3% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core 2 Duo SU7300 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SU7300 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 12 / 20+500% |
| Boost Clock | 1.3 GHz | 5 GHz+285% |
| Base Clock | 1.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+177% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 25 MB (total)+733% |
| L2 Cache | 3 MB+140% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 10 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 1,496 | 34,347+2196% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 188 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 338 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SU7300 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SU7300 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: 0 (Core 2 Duo SU7300) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GS45,GM45 (Core 2 Duo SU7300) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SU7300 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 5.0+355% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 4800+159900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+6553500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SU7300) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core 2 Duo SU7300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SU7300 targets Ultra-Low Voltage Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SU7300 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Ultra-Low Voltage Laptop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Duo SU7300 launched at $289 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SU7300 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $289-29% | $409 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $285 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2021 |
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