Core i5-12500 vs Core i7-12700TE
Core i5-12500
Core i7-12700TE
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 i5-12500
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12500 | Core i7-12700TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($140) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12500 | Core i7-12700TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+150%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($140) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 i5-12500 and Core i7-12700TE
Core i5-12500
The Core i5-12500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,739 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i7-12700TE
The Core i7-12700TE 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 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 19,744 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12500 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-12700TE offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700TE has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-12500 versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i7-12700TE — identical boost frequencies (base: 3 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-12500 scores 19,739 against the Core i7-12700TE's 19,744 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-12700TE. L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12500 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700TE.
| Feature | Core i5-12500 | Core i7-12700TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 12 / 20+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+114% | 1.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+39% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 19,739 | 19,744 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,978 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,319 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 9,003 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 4.0.
| Feature | Core i5-12500 | Core i7-12700TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-12500) / not specified (Core i7-12700TE). The Core i5-12500 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i7-12700TE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12500 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i5-12500 rivals Ryzen 5 5500.
| Feature | Core i5-12500 | Core i7-12700TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Productivity | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12500 launched at $212 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700TE debuted at $378. At current prices ($140 vs $350), the Core i5-12500 is $210 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12500 delivers 141.0 pts/$ vs 56.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700TE — making the Core i5-12500 the 85.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12500 | Core i7-12700TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $212-44% | $378 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $140-60% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 141.0+150% | 56.4 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2022 |
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