Core i9-14900KF vs Core i7-12700K
Core i9-14900KF
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 i9-14900KF
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-14900KF | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($480) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-14900KF | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($480) | ✅ 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 i9-14900KF and Core i7-12700K
Core i9-14900KF
The Core i9-14900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.8 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 58,333 points. Launch price was $564.
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 i9-14900KF packs 24 cores / 32 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-14900KF has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.8 GHz on the Core i9-14900KF versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 14.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-14900KF (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i9-14900KF uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-14900KF scores 58,333 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 51.8% lead for the Core i9-14900KF. L3 cache: 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-14900KF vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i9-14900KF | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 24 / 32+100% | 12 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.8 GHz+16% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB (total)+44% | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core)+60% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-30% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 58,333+70% | 34,347 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 42,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 3,322 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 23,051 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5600 on the Core i9-14900KF 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. The Core i9-14900KF supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z790,Intel B760 (Core i9-14900KF) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Core i9-14900KF | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-5600 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 GB+157286300% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i9-14900KF) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-14900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-14900KF rivals Ryzen 9 7950X; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i9-14900KF | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-14900KF launched at $564 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($480 vs $285), the Core i7-12700K is $195 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-14900KF delivers 121.5 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i9-14900KF the 0.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-14900KF | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $564 | $409-27% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $480 | $285-41% |
| Performance per Dollar | 121.5 | 120.5 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-14900KF and Core i7-12700K
