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 i7-12700 vs Core i9-9960X 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 i7-12700 vs Core i9-9960X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-12700

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,434 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $1,684 MSRP).
✅Delivers 576.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 120.2 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $1,684 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

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

Core i9-9960X

2018

Why buy it

✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (10,700 vs 12,448).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 120.2 PassMark/$ ($1,684 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core i7-12700 moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-12700 better than Core i9-9960X?

Yes. Core i7-12700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 16.3% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.4% 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 i7-12700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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 i7-12700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 16.3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 20 threads.

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

Core i7-12700 is the better buy right now. Core i7-12700 comes in $1,434 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $1,684 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 576.5% better value on MSRP (120.2 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-12700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 20 threads instead of 16/32. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-12700 vs Core i9-9960X Technical Specifications

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

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 i9-9960X

The Core i9-9960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 22 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: 29,927 points. Launch price was $1,684.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-12700 packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-9960X offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-9960X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-12700 versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9960X — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-12700 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9960X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700 scores 30,055 against the Core i9-9960X's 29,927 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-12700. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,497 vs 1,650, a 40.8% lead for the Core i7-12700 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,448 vs 10,700 (15.1% advantage for the Core i7-12700). L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700 vs 22 MB (total) on the Core i9-9960X.

Feature	Core i7-12700	Core i9-9960X
Cores / Threads	12 / 20	16 / 32+33%
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+9%	4.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.1 GHz+48%
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)+14%	22 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	29,927
Cinebench R23 Multi	21,568	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,497+51%	1,650
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,448+16%	10,700

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-12700 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9960X 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 i9-9960X — the Core i7-12700 supports 80% 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 i9-9960X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700) vs 44 (Core i9-9960X) — the Core i9-9960X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i7-12700) and X299 (Core i9-9960X).

Feature	Core i7-12700	Core i9-9960X
Socket	LGA1700	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200+80%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	44+120%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9960X 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 i9-9960X). The Core i7-12700 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9960X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-12700 targets Gaming, Core i9-9960X targets HEDT. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700 rivals Ryzen 7 5700X.

Feature	Core i7-12700	Core i9-9960X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x / VT-d / EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming	HEDT

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-12700 was priced at $250, while the Core i9-9960X came in at $1684. On launch pricing ($250 vs $1684), Core i7-12700 was $1434 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700 delivers 120.2 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i9-9960X — making the Core i7-12700 the 148.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-12700	Core i9-9960X
MSRP	$250-85%	$1684
Performance per Dollar	120.2+575%	17.8
Release Date	2022	2018

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