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.

Core i7-9700K vs Core i7-12700H FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-9700K vs Core i7-12700H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $72 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $457 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 25,365).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 55.5 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $457 MSRP).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i7-12700H moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Core i7-12700H

2022

Why buy it

✅+76.2% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Delivers 48.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 55.5 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($457 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌
18.7% HIGHER MSRP
$457 MSRPvs$385 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-12700H better than Core i7-9700K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-9700K is ahead with a 4.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-12700H pulls ahead with 76.2% better PassMark. Core i7-12700H also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-12700H is the stronger fit. You are getting 76.2% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-12700H is the better buy right now. Core i7-12700H comes in 18.7% more expensive on MSRP at $457 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you 76.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-9700K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 48.4% better value on MSRP (55.5 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-12700H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 8/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9700K vs Core i7-12700H Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-9700K

The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

Core i7-12700H

The Core i7-12700H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 25,365 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-12700H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700H has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-12700H — a 4.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700H uses Alder Lake-H (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core i7-12700H's 25,365 — a 55.2% lead for the Core i7-12700H. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700H.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-12700H
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	14 / 20+75%
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+4%	4.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+57%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	24 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+20380%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Alder Lake-H (2022)
PassMark	14,397	25,365+76%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	15,453
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,648
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	12,802

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-12700H uses FCBGA1744 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i7-12700H — the Core i7-12700H supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 20 (Core i7-12700H) — the Core i7-12700H offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-12700H
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1744
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-4800+80%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) and Iris Xe 96EU (Core i7-12700H) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop, Core i7-12700H targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700H rivals Ryzen 7 6800H.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-12700H
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	Iris Xe 96EU
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Core i7-12700H came in at $457. On launch pricing ($385 vs $457), Core i7-9700K was $72 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 55.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700H — making the Core i7-12700H the 39% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-12700H
MSRP	$385-16%	$457
Performance per Dollar	37.4	55.5+48%
Release Date	2018	2022

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