Core i7-12700K vs Core i5-670

The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i5-670 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 3.73 GHz on the Core i5-670 — a 29.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-670 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Core i5-670's 2,553 — a 172.3% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-670.

The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-670 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-670 — 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 16 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 16 (Core i5-670) — the Core i7-12700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and H55,H57,P55,Q57 (Core i5-670).

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 VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-670). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and HD Graphics (Core i5-670) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-670 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Core i5-670 rivals Phenom II X4 955.

The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core i5-670 debuted at $284. At current prices ($285 vs $100), the Core i5-670 is $185 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-670 — making the Core i7-12700K the 130.1% better value option.