Core i7-3820 vs Core i7-12700K
Core i7-3820
Core i7-12700K
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. The Core i7-3820 is positioned at rank #791 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-3820
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3820 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3820 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+60%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
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 i7-3820 and Core i7-12700K
Core i7-3820
The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3820 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 27.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-3820 uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3820 scores 5,787 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 142.3% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 12 / 20+200% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 5 GHz+32% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 10240 kB (total) | 25 MB (total)+150% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 32 nm | 10 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 5,787 | 34,347+494% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 624 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3820 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3820 versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-3820) vs 2 (Core i7-12700K). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-3820) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-3820 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3820) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 4800+159900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+52428700% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+100% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i7-3820 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | HEDT Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3820 launched at $286 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($30 vs $285), the Core i7-3820 is $255 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3820 delivers 192.9 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-3820 the 46.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3820 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $286-30% | $409 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-89% | $285 |
| Performance per Dollar | 192.9+60% | 120.5 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2021 |
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