Core i7-12700K vs Athlon X2 L310
Core i7-12700K
Athlon X2 L310
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 i7-12700K
Performance Per Dollar Athlon X2 L310
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Athlon X2 L310 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Conesus (2009) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Athlon X2 L310 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+38%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($20) |
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 i7-12700K and Athlon X2 L310
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.
Athlon X2 L310
The Athlon X2 L310 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Conesus (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,747 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Athlon X2 L310 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 1.2 GHz on the Athlon X2 L310 — a 122.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K. The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Athlon X2 L310 uses Conesus (2009) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Athlon X2 L310's 1,747 — a 180.6% lead for the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Athlon X2 L310 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+500% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+317% | 1.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB |
| Process | 10 nm-85% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Conesus (2009) |
| PassMark | 34,347+1866% | 1,747 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 120 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 213 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Athlon X2 L310 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR2-667 on the Athlon X2 L310 — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 0 (Athlon X2 L310) — the Core i7-12700K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Socket S1 (Athlon X2 L310).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Athlon X2 L310 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | S1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+239900% | DDR2-667 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 4 GB+3276700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs Yes (Athlon X2 L310). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Athlon X2 L310 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon X2 L310 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Athlon X2 L310 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Athlon X2 L310 debuted at $100. At current prices ($285 vs $20), the Athlon X2 L310 is $265 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 87.3 pts/$ for the Athlon X2 L310 — making the Core i7-12700K the 31.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Athlon X2 L310 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $100-76% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $20-93% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+38% | 87.3 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2009 |
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