Core i7-12700K vs FX-6350
Core i7-12700K
FX-6350
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 FX-6350
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($55) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+43%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($55) |
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 FX-6350
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.
FX-6350
The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the FX-6350 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the FX-6350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the FX-6350's 4,640 — a 152.4% lead for the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+100% | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+19% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz+8% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 6144 kB+380% |
| Process | 10 nm-69% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 34,347+640% | 4,640 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the FX-6350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| 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 (FX-6350). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the FX-6350 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FX-6350 debuted at $132. At current prices ($285 vs $55), the FX-6350 is $230 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 84.4 pts/$ for the FX-6350 — making the Core i7-12700K the 35.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $132-68% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $55-81% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+43% | 84.4 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2013 |
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