Core i7-12700K vs EPYC 7261
Core i7-12700K
EPYC 7261
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 EPYC 7261
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($8) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Naples (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1056%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($8) |
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 EPYC 7261
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.
EPYC 7261
The EPYC 7261 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Naples (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 170 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 11,149 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the EPYC 7261 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 2.9 GHz on the EPYC 7261 — a 53.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the EPYC 7261 uses Naples (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the EPYC 7261's 11,149 — a 102% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7261.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+50% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+72% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+44% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+28% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Naples (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 34,347+208% | 11,149 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7261 uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) / not specified (EPYC 7261). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7261 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the EPYC 7261 debuted at $501. At current prices ($285 vs $8), the EPYC 7261 is $277 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 1393.6 pts/$ for the EPYC 7261 — making the EPYC 7261 the 168.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7261 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-18% | $501 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $8-97% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 1393.6+1057% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2018 |
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