
Core i3-12300T vs Core i7-9700

Core i3-12300T

Core i7-9700
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 i3-12300T
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-12300T | Core i7-9700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($164) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-12300T | Core i7-9700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($164) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
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 i3-12300T and Core i7-9700

Core i3-12300T
The Core i3-12300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 13,162 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-9700
The Core i7-9700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,206 points. Launch price was $323.
Processing Power
The Core i3-12300T packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-9700 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-12300T versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-9700 — a 11.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-12300T uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9700 uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-12300T scores 13,162 against the Core i7-9700's 13,206 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-9700. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-12300T | Core i7-9700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.7 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 3 GHz+30% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 13,162 | 13,206 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 8,540 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,570 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 7,202 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-12300T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-9700 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-12300T | Core i7-9700 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-12300T) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700). The Core i7-9700 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-12300T requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-12300T | Core i7-9700 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-12300T launched at $209 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700 debuted at $333. At current prices ($164 vs $150), the Core i7-9700 is $14 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-12300T delivers 80.3 pts/$ vs 88.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700 — making the Core i7-9700 the 9.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-12300T | Core i7-9700 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $209-37% | $333 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $164 | $150-9% |
| Performance per Dollar | 80.3 | 88.0+10% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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