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.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Core i7-12700K

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $931 less on MSRP ($409 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
✅Delivers 97.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 84.0 vs 42.4 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 350W, a 225W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (34,347 vs 56,854).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+156% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 25 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 42.4 vs 84.0 PassMark/$ ($1,340 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
❌180% higher power demand at 350W vs 125W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-12700K

2021

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

2025

Why buy it

✅Costs $931 less on MSRP ($409 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
✅Delivers 97.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 84.0 vs 42.4 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $1,340 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 350W, a 225W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX needs a discrete GPU.

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+156% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 25 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (34,347 vs 56,854).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 42.4 vs 84.0 PassMark/$ ($1,340 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
❌180% higher power demand at 350W vs 125W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX better than Core i7-12700K?

Not in a simple one-size-fits-all way. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-12700K is the better mainstream desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and day-to-day practicality.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 7.6% 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, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the better fit. You are getting 65.5% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 156% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 25 MB).

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

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i7-12700K makes more sense if price matters more than absolute performance. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is 227.6% more expensive on MSRP at $1,340 MSRP versus $409 MSRP, and it gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-12700K is also 97.9% better value on MSRP (84.0 vs 42.4 PassMark/$), which is why it is easier to justify for price-conscious builds on paper.

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

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2021), 156% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 25 MB), more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 12/20, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i7-12700K Benchmark Check

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
1080p
low	314 FPS	278 FPS
medium	295 FPS	253 FPS
high	246 FPS	216 FPS
ultra	193 FPS	188 FPS
1440p
low	269 FPS	262 FPS
medium	225 FPS	214 FPS
high	182 FPS	169 FPS
ultra	145 FPS	152 FPS
4K
low	170 FPS	180 FPS
medium	142 FPS	147 FPS
high	109 FPS	111 FPS
ultra	96 FPS	98 FPS

Open Core i7-12700K Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
1080p
low	630 FPS	791 FPS
medium	533 FPS	650 FPS
high	450 FPS	485 FPS
ultra	410 FPS	409 FPS
1440p
low	536 FPS	651 FPS
medium	475 FPS	555 FPS
high	403 FPS	428 FPS
ultra	349 FPS	333 FPS
4K
low	312 FPS	366 FPS
medium	280 FPS	315 FPS
high	266 FPS	277 FPS
ultra	234 FPS	233 FPS

Open Core i7-12700K Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
1080p
low	797 FPS	886 FPS
medium	633 FPS	704 FPS
high	556 FPS	622 FPS
ultra	472 FPS	534 FPS
1440p
low	704 FPS	712 FPS
medium	565 FPS	566 FPS
high	490 FPS	488 FPS
ultra	422 FPS	414 FPS
4K
low	510 FPS	507 FPS
medium	425 FPS	418 FPS
high	381 FPS	375 FPS
ultra	321 FPS	315 FPS

Open Core i7-12700K Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
1080p
low	859 FPS	1106 FPS
medium	802 FPS	991 FPS
high	699 FPS	867 FPS
ultra	628 FPS	781 FPS
1440p
low	760 FPS	860 FPS
medium	678 FPS	759 FPS
high	590 FPS	664 FPS
ultra	519 FPS	576 FPS
4K
low	535 FPS	632 FPS
medium	488 FPS	562 FPS
high	437 FPS	496 FPS
ultra	384 FPS	429 FPS

Open Core i7-12700K Open Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-12700K and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

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.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX

The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2025-01-01. It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 56,854 points. Launch price was $2,000.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, matching the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX's 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — a 7.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4.7 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX's 56,854 — a 49.4% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX.

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Cores / Threads	12 / 20	12 / 24
Boost Clock	5 GHz	5.4 GHz+8%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	4.7 GHz+31%
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)	64 MB (total)+156%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+25%	1 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	4 nm-60%
Architecture	Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)	Shimada Peak (2025)
PassMark	34,347	56,854+66%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus 6400 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and WRX90,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX).

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Socket	LGA1700	sTR5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	4800	6400+33%
Max RAM Capacity	128	2048+1500%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	128+540%

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX rivals Xeon w7-3545.

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	None
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX debuted at $1340. On MSRP ($409 vs $1340), the Core i7-12700K is $931 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 84.0 pts/$ vs 42.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9945WX — making the Core i7-12700K the 65.7% better value option.