EPYC 7601 vs Core i7-12700K
EPYC 7601
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 EPYC 7601
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7601 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7601 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 7601 and Core i7-12700K
EPYC 7601
The EPYC 7601 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 35,059 points. Launch price was $4,200.
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 7601 packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the EPYC 7601 has 20 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the EPYC 7601 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 43.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The EPYC 7601 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 7601 scores 35,059 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 2.1% lead for the EPYC 7601. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 7601 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | EPYC 7601 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+167% | 12 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 5 GHz+56% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+64% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+156% | 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 | 35,059+2% | 34,347 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7601 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the EPYC 7601 versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 57.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7601 supports up to 2048 of RAM compared to 128 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7601) vs 2 (Core i7-12700K). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7601) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the EPYC 7601 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7601) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | EPYC 7601 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666 | 4800+80% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2048+1500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+540% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SVM (EPYC 7601) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7601 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: EPYC 7601 rivals Xeon Platinum 8180; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | EPYC 7601 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SVM | VT-x, VT-d |
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