Core i7-12700K vs EPYC 7473X
Core i7-12700K
EPYC 7473X
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 7473X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7473X |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Milan-X (2022) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7473X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+146%) |
| 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 EPYC 7473X
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 7473X
The EPYC 7473X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2022-03-01. It is based on the Milan-X (2022) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 768 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 240 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 59,280 points. Launch price was $3,900.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the EPYC 7473X offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7473X has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 7473X — a 29.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the EPYC 7473X uses Milan-X (2022) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the EPYC 7473X's 59,280 — a 53.3% lead for the EPYC 7473X. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 768 MB (total) on the EPYC 7473X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7473X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 24 / 48+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+35% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+29% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 768 MB (total)+2972% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Milan-X (2022) |
| PassMark | 34,347 | 59,280+73% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 7473X uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus 3200 on the EPYC 7473X — the Core i7-12700K supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7473X supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 8 (EPYC 7473X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 128 (EPYC 7473X) — the EPYC 7473X offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and SP3 (EPYC 7473X).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7473X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+50% | 3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 4096+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7473X requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; EPYC 7473X rivals Xeon Platinum 8380.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7473X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| 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 EPYC 7473X debuted at $3900. At current prices ($285 vs $200), the EPYC 7473X is $85 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 296.4 pts/$ for the EPYC 7473X — making the EPYC 7473X the 84.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 7473X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-90% | $3900 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $200-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 296.4+146% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
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