Core i7-12700 vs Core i9-9990XE
Core i7-12700
Core i9-9990XE
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 i9-9990XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-9990XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($250) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,000) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-9990XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+697%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($250) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,000) |
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 i9-9990XE
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 i9-9990XE
The Core i9-9990XE 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 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 255 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,162 points. Launch price was $2,800.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700 packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-9990XE offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Core i9-9990XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-12700 versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-9990XE — a 4% clock advantage for the Core i9-9990XE (base: 2.1 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i7-12700 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9990XE uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700 scores 30,055 against the Core i9-9990XE's 30,162 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-9990XE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,497 vs 1,392, a 56.8% lead for the Core i7-12700 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,448 vs 16,199 (26.2% advantage for the Core i9-9990XE). L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700 vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9990XE.
| Feature | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-9990XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 14 / 28+17% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz | 5.1 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 4 GHz+90% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+30% | 19.25 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 | 30,162 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 21,568 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,497+79% | 1,392 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 12,448 | 16,199+30% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE — 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 i9-9990XE). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700) vs 44 (Core i9-9990XE) — the Core i9-9990XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,H670,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i7-12700) and X299 (Core i9-9990XE).
| Feature | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-9990XE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i9-9990XE has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE). The Core i7-12700 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9990XE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-12700 targets Gaming, Core i9-9990XE targets HEDT. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700 rivals Ryzen 7 5700X; Core i9-9990XE rivals Threadripper 2970WX.
| Feature | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-9990XE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | HEDT |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700 launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i9-9990XE debuted at $2000.
| Feature | Core i7-12700 | Core i9-9990XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250-88% | $2000 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $250 | — |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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