Core i9-12900F vs Xeon E7-8857 v2
Core i9-12900F
Xeon E7-8857 v2
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 i9-12900F
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E7-8857 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900F | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($370) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,995) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900F | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+700%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($370) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,995) |
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 i9-12900F and Xeon E7-8857 v2
Core i9-12900F
The Core i9-12900F 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: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 35,873 points. Launch price was $499.
Xeon E7-8857 v2
The Xeon E7-8857 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 36,304 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900F packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 offers 12 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-12900F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900F versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — a 34.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900F (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i9-12900F is built on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i9-12900F scores 35,873 against the Xeon E7-8857 v2's 36,304 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon E7-8857 v2. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900F vs 30 MB on the Xeon E7-8857 v2.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+33% | 12 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+42% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 30 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-68% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | — |
| PassMark | 35,873 | 36,304+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i9-12900F versus 1600 on the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — the Core i9-12900F supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-8857 v2 supports up to 1536 of RAM compared to 128 — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900F) vs 4 (Xeon E7-8857 v2). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900F) vs 40 (Xeon E7-8857 v2) — the Xeon E7-8857 v2 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900F) and C602J (Xeon E7-8857 v2).
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+200% | 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 1536+1100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 40+100% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900F rivals Ryzen 9 5900X; Xeon E7-8857 v2 rivals Xeon E7-4850 v2.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900F launched at $494 MSRP, while the Xeon E7-8857 v2 debuted at $3838. At current prices ($370 vs $2995), the Core i9-12900F is $2625 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900F delivers 97.0 pts/$ vs 12.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E7-8857 v2 — making the Core i9-12900F the 155.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900F | Xeon E7-8857 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $494-87% | $3838 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $370-88% | $2995 |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.0+702% | 12.1 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2014 |
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