Core i7-12700K vs Atom Z3735G
Core i7-12700K
Atom Z3735G
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 Z3735G
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Atom Z3735G |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($17) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Atom Z3735G |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+41%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($17) |
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 Z3735G
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 Z3735G
The Atom Z3735G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 1.83 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA592. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,891 points. Launch price was $17.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Atom Z3735G offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 1.83 GHz on the Atom Z3735G — a 92.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1.33 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Atom Z3735G uses Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Atom Z3735G's 2,891 — a 168.9% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Atom Z3735G.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom Z3735G |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+200% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+173% | 1.83 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+171% | 1.33 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+1150% | 2 MB L2 Cache |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB+60% |
| Process | 10 nm-55% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Bay Trail-T (2013−2014) |
| PassMark | 34,347+1088% | 2,891 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Atom Z3735G uses UTFCBGA592 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR3L-RS 1333 on the Atom Z3735G — 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 1 GB — 196.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 1 (Atom Z3735G). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 0 (Atom Z3735G) — the Core i7-12700K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom Z3735G).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom Z3735G |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | UTFCBGA592 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+159900% | DDR3L-RS 1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 1 GB+819100% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) / not specified (Atom Z3735G). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail) (Atom Z3735G) — 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 Z3735G |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Atom Z3735G debuted at $17.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Atom Z3735G |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $17-96% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | — |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2014 |
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