Core i5-4670K vs Core i7-12700K
Core i5-4670K
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 i5-4670K is positioned at rank #865 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower 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 i5-4670K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4670K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4670K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+332%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ 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 i5-4670K and Core i7-12700K
Core i5-4670K
The Core i5-4670K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,584 points. Launch price was $266.
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 i5-4670K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670K versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 27.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-4670K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670K scores 5,584 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 144.1% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670K vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i5-4670K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 12 / 20+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 5 GHz+32% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | 25 MB (total)+317% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 22 nm | 10 nm-55% |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 5,584 | 34,347+515% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 975 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4670K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4670K 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 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-4670K) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z87,Z97 (Core i5-4670K) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Core i5-4670K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 4800+159900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+26214300% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4670K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4670K) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4670K rivals FX-9370; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i5-4670K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-4670K launched at $328 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($200 vs $285), the Core i5-4670K is $85 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4670K delivers 27.9 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-12700K the 124.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-4670K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $328-20% | $409 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-30% | $285 |
| Performance per Dollar | 27.9 | 120.5+332% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2021 |
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