EPYC 7261 vs Core i7-12700K
EPYC 7261
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. The EPYC 7261 is positioned at rank #592 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 EPYC 7261
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7261 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($8) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7261 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1056%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($8) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 EPYC 7261 and Core i7-12700K
EPYC 7261
The EPYC 7261 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 11,149 points. Launch price was $800.
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 EPYC 7261 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the EPYC 7261 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 53.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The EPYC 7261 uses the Naples (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7261 scores 11,149 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 102% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7261 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | EPYC 7261 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 12 / 20+50% |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 5 GHz+72% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+44% |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total)+28% | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Naples (2017−2018) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 11,149 | 34,347+208% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7261 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | EPYC 7261 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (EPYC 7261) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7261 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | EPYC 7261 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7261 launched at $501 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($8 vs $285), the EPYC 7261 is $277 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7261 delivers 1393.6 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the EPYC 7261 the 168.2% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7261 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $501 | $409-18% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $8-97% | $285 |
| Performance per Dollar | 1393.6+1057% | 120.5 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2021 |
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