Core i7-12700K vs Core i7-12700KF
Core i7-12700K
Core i7-12700KF
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 i7-12700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core i7-12700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($250) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core i7-12700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+13%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($250) |
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 i7-12700K and Core i7-12700KF
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.
Core i7-12700KF
The Core i7-12700KF 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 Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 34,056 points. Launch price was $384.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-12700K and Core i7-12700KF share an identical 12-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture using a 10 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Core i7-12700KF's 34,056 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-12700K. Both processors carry 25 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i7-12700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 12 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 34,347 | 34,056 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700KF).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i7-12700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i7-12700KF requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Core i7-12700KF rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i7-12700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700KF debuted at $384. At current prices ($285 vs $250), the Core i7-12700KF is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 136.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700KF — making the Core i7-12700KF the 12.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i7-12700KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $384-6% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $250-12% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 136.2+13% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2021 |
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