Core i5-14500HX vs Core i7-12700E

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.

Core i5-14500HX vs Core i7-12700E FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-14500HX vs Core i7-12700E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-14500HX

2024

Why buy it

✅+9.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-12700E

2022

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,202 vs 2,409).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (11,981 vs 13,150).
❌Launch MSRP is still $314 MSRP, while Core i5-14500HX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-14500HX better than Core i7-12700E?

Yes. Core i5-14500HX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 9.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.3% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-14500HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-14500HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 9.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-14500HX is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i7-12700E is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-14500HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $314 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-12700E is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (90.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-14500HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2022) and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 12/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-14500HX vs Core i7-12700E Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-14500HX

The Core i5-14500HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-HX Refresh (2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): + 24 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 28,383 points. Launch price was $299.

Core i7-12700E

The Core i7-12700E 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 28,302 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-14500HX packs 14 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i7-12700E offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-14500HX has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-14500HX versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-12700E — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-14500HX (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-14500HX uses the Raptor Lake-HX Refresh (2024) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-12700E uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14500HX scores 28,383 against the Core i7-12700E's 28,302 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-14500HX. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,409 vs 2,202, a 9% lead for the Core i5-14500HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 13,150 vs 11,981 (9.3% advantage for the Core i5-14500HX). L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-14500HX vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700E.

Feature	Core i5-14500HX	Core i7-12700E
Cores / Threads	14 / 20+17%	12 / 20
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+2%	4.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+24%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	24 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+4%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)+60%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-HX Refresh (2024)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	28,383	28,302
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	20,000
Geekbench 6 Single	2,409+9%	2,202
Geekbench 6 Multi	13,150+10%	11,981

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-14500HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-12700E uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-14500HX versus DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-12700E — the Core i5-14500HX supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-14500HX supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM770 (Core i5-14500HX) and R680E,Q670,H610E (Core i7-12700E).

Feature	Core i5-14500HX	Core i7-12700E
Socket	FCBGA1964	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5600+17%	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+50%	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-14500HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-14500HX) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-12700E). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics (Core i5-14500HX) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-14500HX targets Gaming Laptop, Core i7-12700E targets Industrial Computing / Professional Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700E rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.

Feature	Core i5-14500HX	Core i7-12700E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Gaming Laptop	Industrial Computing / Professional Desktop