Core i7-12700E vs Ryzen 7 260
Core i7-12700E
Ryzen 7 260
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 i7-12700E
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 260
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700E | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($278) | ✅ More affordable ($70) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Hawk Point (2024−2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700E | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+298%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($278) | ✅ More affordable ($70) |
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 i7-12700E and Ryzen 7 260
Core i7-12700E
The Core i7-12700E 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 4.8 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 28,302 points. Launch price was $299.
Ryzen 7 260
The Ryzen 7 260 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Hawk Point (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP8. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 28,339 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700E packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen 7 260 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-12700E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-12700E versus 5.1 GHz on the Ryzen 7 260 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 260 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-12700E uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen 7 260 uses Hawk Point (2024−2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700E scores 28,302 against the Ryzen 7 260's 28,339 — a 0.1% lead for the Ryzen 7 260. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700E vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 7 260.
| Feature | Core i7-12700E | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+50% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5.1 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.8 GHz+81% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+56% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 4 nm-60% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Hawk Point (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 28,302 | 28,339 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 20,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,202 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,981 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700E uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 7 260 uses FP8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 memory speed. The Core i7-12700E supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-12700E | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FP8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Ryzen 7 260 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-12700E) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 260). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700E) and Radeon 780M (Ryzen 7 260) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-12700E targets Industrial Computing / Professional Desktop, Ryzen 7 260 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700E rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700E | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Radeon 780M |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Industrial Computing / Professional Desktop | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700E launched at $314 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 260 debuted at $199. At current prices ($278 vs $70), the Ryzen 7 260 is $208 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700E delivers 101.8 pts/$ vs 404.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 260 — making the Ryzen 7 260 the 119.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700E | Ryzen 7 260 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $314 | $199-37% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $278 | $70-75% |
| Performance per Dollar | 101.8 | 404.8+298% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2025 |
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