Core i5-7200U vs Core i7-12700K
Core i5-7200U
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 i5-7200U is positioned at rank #643 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 i5-7200U
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7200U | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7200U | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 i5-7200U and Core i7-12700K
Core i5-7200U
The Core i5-7200U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,369 points. Launch price was $281.
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 i5-7200U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-7200U versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 46.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-7200U uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7200U scores 3,369 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 164.3% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-7200U vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i5-7200U | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 12 / 20+500% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 5 GHz+61% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+44% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 25 MB (total)+733% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 3,369 | 34,347+920% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-7200U uses the BGA1356 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 DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-7200U versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% 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: 12 (Core i5-7200U) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-7200U | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | 4800+119900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+26214300% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 20+67% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 620 (Core i5-7200U) 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 i5-7200U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i5-7200U | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 620 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mobile | — |
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