Core i7-12700K vs Core Ultra 9 288V
Core i7-12700K
Core Ultra 9 288V
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 9 288V
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 9 288V |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($285) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($600) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 9 288V |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+257%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($285) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($600) |
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 9 288V
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 9 288V
The Core Ultra 9 288V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 30 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 20,280 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 288V offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 288V — a 2% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 288V (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 288V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Core Ultra 9 288V's 20,280 — a 51.5% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 288V.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 9 288V |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+50% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.1 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+9% | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+108% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm-70% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Lunar Lake (2024) |
| PassMark | 34,347+69% | 20,280 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 9,300 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,800 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 10,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core Ultra 9 288V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 9 288V — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 8 (Core Ultra 9 288V) — the Core i7-12700K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and SoC (Core Ultra 9 288V).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 9 288V |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA2833 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | LPDDR5X-8533 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 32 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+150% | 8 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs true (Core Ultra 9 288V). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel Arc 140V (Core Ultra 9 288V) — 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 | Core Ultra 9 288V |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Arc 140V |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 9 288V debuted at $600. At current prices ($285 vs $600), the Core i7-12700K is $315 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 33.8 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 9 288V — making the Core i7-12700K the 112.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 9 288V |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-32% | $600 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285-53% | $600 |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+257% | 33.8 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2024 |
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