Core i7-12700 vs Core i9-7980XE
Core i7-12700
Core i9-7980XE
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 i7-12700
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-7980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($250) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+22%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($250) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) |
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 i7-12700 and Core i9-7980XE
Core i7-12700
The Core i7-12700 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 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 25 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: 30,055 points. Launch price was $349.
Core i9-7980XE
The Core i9-7980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 29,634 points. Launch price was $1,999.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700 packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-7980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-7980XE has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-12700 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7980XE — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-12700 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-7980XE uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700 scores 30,055 against the Core i9-7980XE's 29,634 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-12700. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700 vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-7980XE.
| Feature | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 18 / 36+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+11% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.6 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+1% | 24.75 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 30,055+1% | 29,634 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 21,568 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,497 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,448 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-7980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-12700 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-7980XE — the Core i7-12700 supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700) vs 4 (Core i9-7980XE). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700) vs 44 (Core i9-7980XE) — the Core i9-7980XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 44+120% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-7980XE has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-7980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core i7-12700) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-7980XE). The Core i7-12700 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-7980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-12700 targets Gaming, Core i9-7980XE targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700 rivals Ryzen 7 5700X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x / VT-d / EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700 launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i9-7980XE debuted at $1999. At current prices ($250 vs $300), the Core i7-12700 is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700 delivers 120.2 pts/$ vs 98.8 pts/$ for the Core i9-7980XE — making the Core i7-12700 the 19.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-7980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250-87% | $1999 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $250-17% | $300 |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.2+22% | 98.8 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2017 |
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