Core i7-12700K vs Atom E3845
Core i7-12700K
Atom E3845
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 E3845
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Atom E3845 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 🛑 Legacy (Bay Trail-I (2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Atom E3845 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 E3845
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 E3845
The Atom E3845 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-I (2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.91 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,071 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Atom E3845 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 1.91 GHz on the Atom E3845 — a 89.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K. The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Atom E3845 uses Bay Trail-I (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Atom E3845's 1,071 — a 187.9% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 0 kB on the Atom E3845.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom E3845 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+200% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+162% | 1.91 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-55% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Bay Trail-I (2013) |
| PassMark | 34,347+3107% | 1,071 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Atom E3845 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR3L-1333 on the Atom E3845 — 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 8 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 4 (Atom E3845) — the Core i7-12700K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel FCBGA1170 (Atom E3845).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom E3845 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA1170 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+159900% | DDR3L-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 8 GB+6553500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+400% | 4 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) / not specified (Atom E3845). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail) (Atom E3845) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom E3845 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail) |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
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