Core Ultra 7 258V vs Core i7-12700K
Core Ultra 7 258V
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 Ultra 7 258V
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 258V | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 258V | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+154%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) | ✅ 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 Ultra 7 258V and Core i7-12700K
Core Ultra 7 258V
The Core Ultra 7 258V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,947 points. Launch price was $299.
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 Ultra 7 258V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 258V versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 258V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 258V scores 18,947 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 57.8% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 258V vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 258V | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 12 / 20+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+64% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+108% |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB (per core)+100% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-70% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Lunar Lake (2024) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 18,947 | 34,347+81% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 10,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,750 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 11,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 258V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 7 258V 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 i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (Core Ultra 7 258V) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 7 258V) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 258V | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2833 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR5X-8533 | 4800+95900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+26214300% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | 20+150% |
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 — Arc 140V (Core Ultra 7 258V) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 7 258V targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 258V rivals Ryzen 7 8840U; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 258V | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Arc 140V | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 7 258V launched at $450 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($400 vs $285), the Core i7-12700K is $115 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 258V delivers 47.4 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-12700K the 87.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 258V | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $450 | $409-9% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $400 | $285-29% |
| Performance per Dollar | 47.4 | 120.5+154% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2021 |
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