Core i9-12900K vs Core i7-12700K
Core i9-12900K
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 i9-12900K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($322) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+6%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($322) | ✅ 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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-12900K and Core i7-12700K
Core i9-12900K
The Core i9-12900K 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 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 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: 41,180 points. Launch price was $589.
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 i9-12900K packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-12900K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900K versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture using a 10 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-12900K scores 41,180 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 18.1% lead for the Core i9-12900K. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900K vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+33% | 12 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+4% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+20% | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 41,180+20% | 34,347 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900K versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i9-12900K) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+104857500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-12900K) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900K) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900K launched at $589 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($322 vs $285), the Core i7-12700K is $37 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900K delivers 127.9 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i9-12900K the 5.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589 | $409-31% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $322 | $285-11% |
| Performance per Dollar | 127.9+6% | 120.5 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2021 |
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