Core i7-12700K vs Core Ultra 5 245K
Core i7-12700K
Core Ultra 5 245K
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 Core Ultra 5 245K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+80%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
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 Core Ultra 5 245K
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.
Core Ultra 5 245K
The Core Ultra 5 245K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 14 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1851. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-6400. Passmark benchmark score: 43,417 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 245K offers 14 cores / 14 threads — the Core Ultra 5 245K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 5.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 245K — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 245K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Core Ultra 5 245K's 43,417 — a 23.3% lead for the Core Ultra 5 245K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 24 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 245K.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 14 / 14+17% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.2 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+4% | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core)+140% |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm-70% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Arrow Lake-S (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 34,347 | 43,417+26% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 5 245K uses LGA1851 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus 6400 on the Core Ultra 5 245K — the Core Ultra 5 245K supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core Ultra 5 245K supports up to 192 of RAM compared to 128 — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Z890,B860 (Core Ultra 5 245K).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 6400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 192+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) (Core Ultra 5 245K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Core Ultra 5 245K rivals Ryzen 5 9600X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Graphics (4 Xe-cores) |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 5 245K debuted at $319. At current prices ($285 vs $200), the Core Ultra 5 245K is $85 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 217.1 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 5 245K — making the Core Ultra 5 245K the 57.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $319-22% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $200-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 217.1+80% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2024 |
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