Core i7-12700K vs Atom C3808
Core i7-12700K
Atom C3808
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 Atom C3808
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Atom C3808 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Atom C3808 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Atom C3808
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.
Atom C3808
The Atom C3808 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 12 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB. L2 cache: 12 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2133. Passmark benchmark score: 5,671 points. Launch price was $369.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, matching the Atom C3808's 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 2 GHz on the Atom C3808 — a 85.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Atom C3808 uses Goldmont (2016−2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Atom C3808's 5,671 — a 143.3% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 12 MB on the Atom C3808.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom C3808 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 12 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+150% | 2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+80% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+108% | 12 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 12 MB+860% |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Goldmont (2016−2017) |
| PassMark | 34,347+506% | 5,671 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Atom C3808 uses FCBGA1310 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR4-2133 on the Atom C3808 — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3808 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 12 (Atom C3808) — the Core i7-12700K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3808).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom C3808 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA1310 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 256 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+67% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) / not specified (Atom C3808). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Atom C3808 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom C3808 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-12700K and Atom C3808
