Core i9-12900 vs Core i7-12700K
Core i9-12900
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. 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 i9-12900
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($420) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+50%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($420) | ✅ More affordable ($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.
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-12900 and Core i7-12700K
Core i9-12900
The Core i9-12900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,695 points. Launch price was $489.
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 i9-12900 packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-12900 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900 scores 33,695 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+33% | 12 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+2% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+20% | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 33,695 | 34,347+2% |
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 i9-12900) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Only the Core i7-12700K 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 — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900 launched at $519 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($420 vs $285), the Core i7-12700K is $135 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900 delivers 80.2 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-12700K the 40.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $519 | $409-21% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $420 | $285-32% |
| Performance per Dollar | 80.2 | 120.5+50% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2021 |
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