Core i9-9990XE vs Core i7-12700F
Core i9-9990XE
Core i7-12700F
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 i9-9990XE
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9990XE | Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,000) | ✅ More affordable ($275) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9990XE | Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+631%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($2,000) | ✅ More affordable ($275) |
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 i9-9990XE and Core i7-12700F
Core i9-9990XE
The Core i9-9990XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 255 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Quad-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 30,162 points. Launch price was $2,800.
Core i7-12700F
The Core i7-12700F 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 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 25 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: 30,332 points. Launch price was $386.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9990XE packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Core i7-12700F offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-9990XE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-9990XE versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-12700F — a 4% clock advantage for the Core i9-9990XE (base: 4 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i9-9990XE uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700F uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9990XE scores 30,162 against the Core i7-12700F's 30,332 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-12700F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,392 vs 2,388, a 52.7% lead for the Core i7-12700F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 16,199 vs 12,448 (26.2% advantage for the Core i9-9990XE). L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9990XE vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700F.
| Feature | Core i9-9990XE | Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 28+17% | 12 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+4% | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+90% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+30% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 30,162 | 30,332 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 21,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,392 | 2,388+72% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 16,199+30% | 12,448 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9990XE uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-12700F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9990XE versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i7-12700F — the Core i7-12700F supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 2 (Core i7-12700F). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9990XE) vs 20 (Core i7-12700F) — the Core i9-9990XE offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i9-9990XE) and Z790,B760,Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700F).
| Feature | Core i9-9990XE | Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+120% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9990XE has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9990XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9990XE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-12700F). Primary use case: Core i9-9990XE targets HEDT, Core i7-12700F targets High-performance Gaming / Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i9-9990XE rivals Threadripper 2970WX; Core i7-12700F rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i9-9990XE | Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | HEDT | High-performance Gaming / Productivity |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9990XE launched at $2000 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700F debuted at $314.
| Feature | Core i9-9990XE | Core i7-12700F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2000 | $314-84% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $275 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2022 |
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