Core i7-12700K vs EPYC 9174F
Core i7-12700K
EPYC 9174F
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 9174F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| 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 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1345%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 9174F
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 9174F
The EPYC 9174F 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 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 320 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 52,249 points. Launch price was $3,850.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the EPYC 9174F offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the EPYC 9174F has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 4.4 GHz on the EPYC 9174F — a 12.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4.1 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the EPYC 9174F uses Genoa (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the EPYC 9174F's 52,249 — a 41.3% lead for the EPYC 9174F. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 9174F.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 16 / 32+33% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+14% | 4.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.1 GHz+14% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 256 MB (total)+924% |
| 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 | 52,249+52% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 9174F uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. The EPYC 9174F supports up to 6144 of RAM compared to 128 — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 12 (EPYC 9174F). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 128 (EPYC 9174F) — the EPYC 9174F offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and SP5 (EPYC 9174F).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 6144+4700% |
| 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 9174F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 9174F requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; EPYC 9174F rivals Xeon Platinum 8468.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the EPYC 9174F debuted at $194. At current prices ($285 vs $30), the EPYC 9174F is $255 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 1741.6 pts/$ for the EPYC 9174F — making the EPYC 9174F the 174.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | EPYC 9174F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $194-53% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $30-89% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 1741.6+1345% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
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