Core i7-12700K vs EPYC 9124
Core i7-12700K
EPYC 9124
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 9124
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($285) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+199%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($285) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) |
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 9124
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 9124
The EPYC 9124 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 43,638 points. Launch price was $1,083.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the EPYC 9124 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the EPYC 9124 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 — a 29.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the EPYC 9124 uses Genoa (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the EPYC 9124's 43,638 — a 23.8% lead for the EPYC 9124. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9124.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 16 / 32+33% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+35% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+20% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+156% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 34,347 | 43,638+27% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,770 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 9124 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR5-4800 on the EPYC 9124 — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 12 (EPYC 9124). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 128 (EPYC 9124) — the EPYC 9124 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and SP5 (EPYC 9124).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 6144 GB+5033164700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 12+500% |
| 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. Only the EPYC 9124 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs AMD-V (EPYC 9124). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 9124 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the EPYC 9124 debuted at $1083. At current prices ($285 vs $1083), the Core i7-12700K is $798 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 40.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 9124 — making the Core i7-12700K the 99.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-62% | $1083 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285-74% | $1083 |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+199% | 40.3 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
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