Core 5 120UL vs Core i7-12700K
Core 5 120UL
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. 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 5 120UL
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($270) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-PS (2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+208%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($270) | ⚠️ 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 Core 5 120UL and Core i7-12700K
Core 5 120UL
The Core 5 120UL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,558 points. Launch price was $149.
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 5 120UL packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core 5 120UL versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 8.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 1.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core 5 120UL uses the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core 5 120UL scores 10,558 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 106% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core 5 120UL vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 12 | 12 / 20+20% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 5 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 1.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+177% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+108% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-PS (2024) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 10,558 | 34,347+225% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 5 120UL) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core 5 120UL requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core 5 120UL launched at $277 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($270 vs $285), the Core 5 120UL is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 5 120UL delivers 39.1 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-12700K the 102% better value option.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $277-32% | $409 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $270-5% | $285 |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.1 | 120.5+208% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2021 |
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